Force of law

THE rerun of the Lisbon Treaty referendum in early October deserves a balanced debate in all media outlets, and that includes the letters pages of our national newspapers.

Des McHale (Letters, July 6) wrongly stated that the amendments secured by the Government have no legal standing and that no element of the treaty has been changed.

The amendments are legally binding and ensure Ireland remains in control of its own taxes, neutrality, the right to life in the constitution and the retention of an EU commissioner. These are the facts and it is important they are not allowed to be twisted by opponents of the treaty.