What the protest was really all about
What we marched against, and what we will continue to highlight, is the undemocratic heart of the EU.
This was symbolised for us by the ceremonial dinner at Farmleigh House which brought together the 25 leaders of the expanded union. For all their supposed public support, these leaders chose to hide themselves away behind walls and specially-constructed fences, protected by army units and riot police.
Was this self-imposed isolation the unedifying climax to the enlargement process? Or was it a true representation of how they have conducted themselves to date?
In the lead-up to the occasion, we in the Grassroots Network tried to discuss important issues that are in dispute in the enlarged EU. These have to do with economic inequality (increasing rapidly in the EU), the rights of asylum seekers and economic migrants, and the imminent creation of a new EU army.
Instead of having an opportunity to address these issues in depth, we have from the outset been assailed by accusations of violent intent.
Although it may be an overstatement to suggest that there has been an orchestrated campaign against us, there is some evidence to support our contention that significant sections of the establishment, the media and the security apparatus are fearful of talking about these issues. Why?
Kevin Doyle,
3, Sydney Villas,
Sydney Hill,
Cork.
