Madam, – As a representative of the people of Ireland North West in the European Parliament, there are a number of issues regarding the Lisbon Treaty I feel must be brought to the Irish people’s attention in the interests of fairness and democracy.
We must be clear that Ireland as a nation is best served by staying in the EU. We are an independent country that, like every other nation in the world is very dependant on others for trade and commerce as well as assistance in times of need. We only have to look at Iceland, currently in negotiations with the EU with a view to joining the bloc next year. Iceland is a small island state, much like ourselves, deeply affected by the current economic crisis, and it can’t go it alone.
We are lucky to be part of the euro, because, although it hard to believe, we would be in a much worse situation than presently had we stayed outside the single currency.
By rejecting the Lisbon Treaty, we are not saying we want to leave the EU, however we are sending a very clear message that we do not want reform or any further integration. This is not what the majority of other EU states want. The Lisbon Treaty has been in the making for more than seven years. Most countries want to push ahead with streamlining the EU and in an EU of 27 states unanimity is desirable, but not always possible.
Compromise is key. The EU has compromised with Ireland and has been reasonable towards us. We will retain our commissioner, and the tax rate will be set by Ireland, as is the case presently. Our fellow member-states have bent over backwards to facilitate us.
The Lisbon Treaty is central to this country’s economic future.
Ireland’s interests as a small country are best served by retaining our position of influence in Europe, a market of 492 million people. We will continue to punch above our weight if we are seen as innovative and positive for the European project.
With just 12 MEPs out of 736, we need to ensure that we use every ounce of influence we can, in order to persuade other countries to see our point of view. A rejection of the Lisbon Treaty has already made this task more difficult. A second rejection, after compromises from the EU giving Ireland legally binding guarantees, would further erode our position in Europe.
We have much to gain by remaining fully committed to the European project. By accepting the Lisbon Treaty we know exactly where we stand. If we choose to reject the Lisbon Treaty, we choose to isolate ourselves and the future becomes less certain. Uncertainty is the last thing Ireland needs at this time. – Yours, etc,
JIM HIGGINS,
MEP for Ireland North West,
Quaestor of the European Parliament,
Rue Wiertz,
Brussels,
Belgium.