Nice Treaty will lead to larger, more powerful group in EU

GOVERNMENT ministers who appear on TV news programmes usually avoid talking about the Nice Treaty and speak in general terms on Europe.

They insist that Nice is necessary for enlargement and this is the only reference to the Nice Treaty. This does nothing to inform the public.

The Nice Treaty is about changing the political structure of the EU. It represents the beginning of the process of political union.

Enhanced co-operation means that as many as eight countries within the union can form a federation. Extension of the use of qualified majority voting and the removal of the veto means that a larger, more powerful group will emerge within the union. As their share of the vote is greater, they will have more power and influence and will be in a position to begin to shape a political union more favourable to their own interest.

If Nice is ratified by the Irish people it will signal the destruction of Europe as a partnership of legal equals.

Imelda Kearney,

Spokesperson for Rathmines

No to Nice Campaign,

19, Rathgar Avenue,

Dublin 6.