Should we look to Britain, not the EU?

OUR forefathers, who fought among the many that gave up their lives for Irish freedom, seem to me to be stronger now than ever before, especially after Queen Elizabeth II at the Garden of Remembrance, showed remarkable respect for what they had achieved.

It is recognition at last of our sovereign state on Irish terms and of work progressing in the North.

We must surely now realise as a people, just how valuable our sovereignty is and how successive leaders have flittered it away, in appeasing Europe.

Amidst our euphoric outpouring and as genuine and warm as the Queen undoubtedly seems, should we also view this historical visit as an instrument of intent by both governments? Our country, for obvious reasons imbedded in our psyche, merrily skipped into an untested EU. Arguably Britain did less so.

Despite the rhetoric, we can already see that our politicians have run out of ideas. And we know the British public to be increasingly euro-sceptic — their government rightly insisted upon retaining its own monetary control. Yet they are still in a frustrating economic cul de sac.

Behind all the symbolism then, are we being surreptitiously guided to consider joining forces with our nearest neighbour? Exit the European Union and set up our own reunion with Britain. Back to the punt based upon sterling?

This time, not forced upon us by imperialism, but done by two states, inextricably linked certainly by the residues of colonialism but more progressively toward mutual respect and understanding.

Rather a business agreement and recognition of exploring further trade, market share, and one which could prove a key strategy in dealing with our financial woes.

Just imagine Sarkozy and Merkel scurrying around in Brussels if Enda muttered this from the corner of his mouth during his “politically sensitive” negotiations.

Garry Walsh

West Cork