Our position in EU is awkward and adversarial

WE are showing serious signs of ambivalence and ambiguity towards the EU, which may cause us to do a U-turn on our continued accession.

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 Our traditional pro-European position has been replaced by a deep scepticism and a realisation that the EU will demand and insist on major political reform for any support given to the state from now on.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.