Voting against increased militarism

MUCH of what is said by yes vote campaigners is, at best, indirectly related to the substance of the Lisbon Treaty.

They speak about the benefits the EU has brought to Ireland, coupled with predictions of dire economic consequences, should we vote no.

Those against the treaty tend to point to specifics.

They mention the regular loss of an Irish commissioner, our weakened vote in the council of ministers, the loss of our veto in many additional lawmaking and policy areas and the primacy of EU over national laws.

Of most interest to me are the “provisions on the common security and defence policy”.

Member states are required “progressively to improve their military capabilities” under the supervision of a European Defence Agency. Overseeing all this will be a “high representative of the union for foreign affairs and security policy”.

It is this increasing lack of accountability and militarism of the EU which compels me to say no to Lisbon.

Colm Roddy

Bayside Walk

Dublin 13