Madam - As we see the thrust of world globalisation and listen to the democratic leaders of the "free" world endlessly expressing their faith in its progress, we must ask ourselves if its course is uncharted and without moral principle.
Globalisation is clearly driven by a system of capitalism that measures success (in the first instance) in material terms and pays a great deal less heed to the betterment of the world we live in or mankind as a whole. It blindly leads the wealthiest of nations to ignore the poorest.
It demands the free movement of goods and capital but crucially not people. It subverts the rich multi-cultural nature of those that inhabit the planet. It is exclusive and tries to measure success and well-being only in economic terms. It argues that the creation of wealth alone brings contentment and happiness.
It has without doubt increased environmental degradation. There is little or no debate. Our politicians speak of an enormous world economy where all of its constituents have a role to play.
They must first, though, understand the rules, comply and be measured by a singular vision of democracy and good behaviour determined by the wealthiest and most powerful of nations before they can join the club.
In Ireland we have joined the club without thought or debate but we are wealthier. Suffice to say the politicians can give you the numbers in a sound bite to support our continued commitment to the present world economic order.
It is healthy to see Europe beginning a process of debate that just might question the narrow principles that thus far have driven the quest for a global integrated economy at the expense of the welfare of the global community as a whole. - Yours, etc,
TONY O'SHEA, Foxrock, Dublin 18.