Let’s not fall into a black hole this time around
But, at the moment, politicians and media are distrcated and I fear that people may not know what is at stake.
Irish jobs depend on the economic future of Europe and our place in it. Employment in Ireland has grown from 1 million to 1¾ million since we joined the EEC, or over 600,000 in the past ten years alone.
Our living standards have risen from 60% of the European average to well over that average.
That success has reflected our standing in Europe and how we rose to every challenge that we faced during our membership.
We achieved more than any other member state from completion of the Single European Market, despite early fears that we might suffer from it.
We had the goodwill of the Commissioners and others when we needed it for the IFSC and for other changes in our corporate tax.
Our freedom to set our own tax rates was firmly protected in negotiations on the Nice Treaty. Despite misleading claims to the contrary, that freedom cannot be undermined if the treaty is approved. What friends will we have if we reject it?
We have nothing to fear from the treaty or from enlargement. Every previous enlargement was good for Ireland. Expansion will lead to more investment in the EU, more opportunities for businesses and more jobs in Ireland. We are among the most open economies in the world and depend on trade and investment for jobs.
The decision on the treaty will affect how investors view Ireland. Up to now they have seen a progressive, open and confident country, engaged at the heart of Europe. Leading companies are currently investing over 5 billion in new facilities here. A negative decision by Ireland would damage our prospects for further investment and jobs. It would create a black hole.
Our future depends on a strong, confident and growing Europe. We should continue to back it. We should not marginalise ourselves.
Sean Dorgan,
Chief Executive Officer,
IDA Ireland,
Wilton Park House,
Wilton Place,
Dublin 2
