Madam, - In his column of September 24th, Vincent Browne claims that the Lisbon Treaty "requires all member-states to upgrade their armies".
This is blatantly wrong. The treaty clearly and unambiguously states in Article 4 that "national security remains the sole responsibility of each member-state".
Perhaps Mr Browne became carried away by his polemic.But he should avoid spreading misinformation on the opinions page of a national newspaper. - Yours, etc,
NIALL RYAN,
Keelgrove,
Ardnacrusha,
Co Clare.
Madam, - I concede that the democratic choice of the people must be upheld, although I still cannot understand how so many of my compatriots were duped by the oddest fallacy in the history of democracy: "If you don't understand - vote No".
If you didn't understand you should have either taken the time to inform yourself of the issues involved or stayed at home.
Ireland's "No" to the Lisbon Treaty is not a great display of "people power" or independence of polity within the EU, it merely shows a reductionist Ireland, drunk on new-found wealth, apathetic and as always, feckless. If you voted No as a well-informed choice, congratulations. If you voted No because you didn't understand, you are forgiven.
But please don't do it again. We're all paying for your ignorance. - Yours, etc,
DECLAN DEXTER GALVIN,
Rutledge Terrace,
South Circular Road,
Dublin 8.
Madam, - If the Government decides to hold a second referendum on the Lisbon Treaty, perhaps it could be known as the Mrs Doyle Referendum, in honour of Father Ted's persistent housekeeper.
I also suggest the Yes campaign use the slogan: "Ah go on, go on, go on, go on, GO ON!" - Yours, etc,
MAOLSHEACHLANN Ó CEALLAIGH,
Sillogue Gardens,
Ballymun,
Dublin 11.