Madam, - International relations are undergoing a radical and highly dangerous shake-up in the messy aftermath of the Russia-Georgia dispute.
Peace cannot be best served by unilateral actions of nation states or even military alliances. What is required now is a strengthening rather than weakening of the European Union. Ireland, north and south, must play its full part.
The EU has been the greatest contributor to European peace and stability in modern history. It has also generated the greatest period of economic growth in the modern age. Ireland itself has been one of the most outstanding beneficiaries of the EU.
The founders of the European Community were radical political thinkers strongly influenced by progressive Catholic Action thought. They believed the way to create peace in Europe was through partnership among European nations, and in particular between the centuries-old enemies France and Germany. Their underlying aim of peace was inspired by strong Christian commitment to ending the centuries of wars and conflict that had scarred Europe for so long.
Men like Charles De Gaulle and Konrad Adenaur were committed Catholics who saw their goal as preventing further wars and reconstructing Europe on the basis of a voluntary partnership of free and independent nations. De Gaulle's imaginative vision was a Europe from the Atlantic to the Urals. If only that vision had been achieved, we would not now be struggling with the Georgian dispute and its dire consequences.
We in Ireland should reflect very carefully on the value of the EU, not only to Ireland but to us as individuals and to our children. We should unhesitatingly recommit ourselves to the European ideal in continuing to build a new all-island economy and a new Irish identity in Europe, as well as a greatly strengthened European Union at large.
Without such a strengthened Union, the peace and stability of all Europe could be undermined, threatened and ultimately weakened. It is our double duty as Irish people and as Europeans to work to strengthen peace throughout the continent. - Yours, etc,
ALBAN MAGINNESS MLA,
Antrim Road,
Belfast.
Madam, - Michael Drury (September 4th) is completely incorrect in his assertion that the Oireachtas is free to ratify the Lisbon Treaty despite the decision of the people of Ireland that ratification should not take place.
Article 6.1 of the Constitution clearly states that "all powers of government, legislative, executive and judicial, derive, under God, from the people, whose right it is. . .in final appeal to decide all questions of national policy. . ."
We the people have made an executive and legislative decision that this State's national policy is that the Lisbon Treaty should not be ratified. Mr Drury may be free to reject that decision. The Government, however, is legally subject to the authority of the Irish people, and that authority was exercised decisively on June 12th whether Mr Drury likes it or not. - Yours, etc,
MANUS MAC MEANMAIN,
Elizabeth Street,
Dublin 3.
Madam, It appears that Richard Greene of Cóir (September 2nd) has not read my reply to his previous letter. Despite cold, hard facts to the contrary, he still presses ahead with the claim that the Lisbon Treaty can introduce abortion.
I'll quote the Maastricht Treaty: "Nothing in the Treaty on European Union, or in the Treaties establishing the European Communities, or in the Treaties or Acts modifying or supplementing those Treaties, shall affect the application in Ireland of Article 40.3.3. of the Constitution of Ireland."
Article 40.3.3 protects the right to life of the unborn, and there is nothing the EU can do about that. When will Richard Greene and Cóir stop telling this disgraceful lie about the Lisbon Treaty? - Yours, etc,
JAMIE DONNELLY,
Butterfield Grove,
Dublin 14.
Madam, - A referendum makes sense only if the electorate understands the consequences of a No vote. In June, these were very unclear, and they are still not entirely clear.
When the Government has negotiated whatever it can (some opt-outs, probably) and when we learn with some certainty what the consequences of rejecting the treaty would be, and when these two alternatives have been explained to the electorate and the clarifications fully understood, then another referendum can and should be held. - Yours, etc,
MICHAEL DICKSON,
Orwell Park,
Dublin 6.