MEP igores our loss of influence

WE’RE told by Sean Ó Neachtain MEP (Letters, May 5) that we must look carefully at the facts of the Lisbon Treaty.

However, he ignores all the most controversial aspects of the text. He fails to list the 68 national vetoes that it proposes to give away or the loss of a commissioner for five out of every 15 years.

He also fails to mention that Ireland’s voting strength on the Council of Ministers will be reduced by half while that of larger states will be increased.

Interestingly, he also fails to mention any of the following:

The impact of the treaty on public services such as health and education outlined in Article 16.

The promotion of nuclear energy in the EURATOM protocol.

The undermining of Irish agriculture through Article 188.

The promotion of militarisation and increased military spending in Article 28.

The negative impact on the developing world through Articles 9 and 188.

His argument that it enhances the role of national parliaments is bogus as the proposed mechanisms outlined in the relevant protocol are toothless tigers.

How Mr Ó Neachtain believes that a treaty that reduces Ireland’s influence, undermines Irish agriculture and public services, promotes nuclear power and damages the developing world is in anyone’s interests is beyond me.

Paul Lynch

The Bawn Grove

Malahide

Co Dublin