Let the rest of Europe have a democratic vote on Nice Treaty

SPEAKING during the Seanad debate on the Nice Treaty, Fianna Fáil's Martin Mansergh is quoted as questioning “what was democratic about one member state of four million people vetoing a treaty negotiated and agreed on behalf of the European Union’s 370 million people?”

I would like to ask Mr Mansergh what was democratic about, and what was the point of, putting a referendum to the Irish people last year?

Secondly, what was democratic about a treaty of such significance being ratified throughout Europe on behalf of 370 million people when the people in no other EU country outside Ireland were allowed to vote on it?

The 370 million people whom Mr Mansergh is so concerned about have had no say whatsoever in relation to this treaty.

The people vetoing their say are not in Ireland, but in their own governments and the EU whose laws should not allow for ratification of any treaty unless democratically accepted by the majority of people in each member state.

I cannot pretend to know how people in those other EU countries feel about this treaty. However, Mr Mansergh doesn't know how those 370 million feel either.

Until such time as they make their voices heard in democratic referenda, then he and the rest of the Yes camp should stop pretending to be mind-readers.

Finally, Mr Mansergh also claims that "vetoes should only protect the most vital interests".

It is sad that he doesn't believe Irish sovereignty and neutrality which will be further eroded by this treaty do not constitute our "vital interests".

Gerry Casey,

7 Rosewood Court,

Maugheraboy,

Sligo.