EU constitution seeks primacy over our own
Less than eight months ago, during the Nice rerun, I challenged our political leaders about the drafting of a European constitution document and they denied its existence.
However immediately after Nice 2, the drafting of an EU constitution was announced.
Several times since then I have called on Ireland's EU Convention and political representatives to clearly state that they will uphold Ireland's constitution and not give in to a European constitution.
There are a number of concerns that come with each revised EU constitutional document.
The final document may well signal the end of Ireland's Constitution thereby eliminating our independence and our sovereignty.
In the latest EU draft constitutional document, we are looking at an EU which will strip us of real control over issues like foreign policy, the economy, law, policing and, in particular, courts.
Everything we do as a nation, will be done so as to contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the Union.
In the present European constitutional document, the objective of the Union is to establish a political and legal identity, which will take precedence over member states' constitutions, governments and parliaments.
Instead of asking the people of Ireland "Is this what you want?" we are being told "This is what you want!"
Ireland belongs to its people.
Only the people have the right to decide on the future, the type of Europe we want to be part of and what we want for ourselves and our families.
No doubt our political leaders will continue to insist they are still negotiating.
Unfortunately, they may have silently complied with and facilitated Brussels' wishes for too long.
The European constitution has been devised in stealth and slyness and the proposed EU constitution aims to transfer more powers, competence and governmental functions to the EU.
Accepting it will allow Brussels to control everything, from our borders to our banks, our farmers to our fishermen, our families and our future.
We must not allow our Dáil to become a "talking shop", only able to pass laws when allowed to do so.
Furthermore, we cannot consent to our Constitution or our democracy being dissolved.
It is time for the Irish people to speak up before that right is removed forever.
Dana Rosemary Scallon, MEP,
The European Parliament,
Brussels.
