Taoiseach hails EU’s role in helping to bring peace to Ireland

Friday marked a half century since Ireland joined the European Economic Community

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said EU membership has given Ireland 'a reach and an influence that we would not otherwise enjoy.' Brian Lawless/PA

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has praised the “vital role” of the European Union in bringing peace to the island of Ireland, on the 50th anniversary of it joining the bloc.

Friday marked half a century since then-Taoiseach Jack Lynch and foreign affairs minister Patrick Hillery signed the treaty in Brussels that took the fledging state into the European Economic Community.