Our position in EU is awkward and adversarial
The occasional presence of the EU flag in Dáil Éireann is all the evidence anyone needs of grave political uncertainly. The flag is also flown on various government buildings, but with a growing uncomfortable if not unwelcome presence. Our traditional pro-European position has been replaced by a deep scepticism and a realisation that the EU will demand and insist on major political reform for any support given to the state from now on.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny has officially acknowledged that the old friend is no longer an old friend which indicates that the relationship is completely different than what it was and has become hostile. Unlike the Nice and Lisbon treaties, the prospect of holding another treaty of any kind has encountered strong resistance from the political establishment. It is also noticeable that our pro-European cheer leaders are not as vociferous as they once were, knowing full well that there is major political doubt about the demands the EU will make.
There are now serious reservations about the EU among a large proportion of the population who are not going to be swayed by those who want to defeat the other side irrespective of whether they are right or wrong. This country went into the European club fundamentally because of the common agricultural policy and structural aid. EU priorities have changed from a political community centred on the issues to do with coal and steel, to a cut-throat capital market orientated exercise in political might and national wealth. Our position in the EU has never been more awkward and adversarial, producing a great disparity between the Irish state and central European thinking which are a million miles apart on how the EU is steered. One of two things will almost certainly happen if we cannot reconcile the EU project: this country will leave the country club voluntarily or be asked to leave it.
Maurice Fitzgerald
Shanbally
Co Cork
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