It’s time to stand by our constitution
Reports that Dick Roche, Ireland's representative in the constitution talks, would not raise any of Ireland's concerns about the document cast a cloud over the whole process. It was also a missed opportunity unambiguously to uphold and defend our constitutional position.
We must guard against accepting a draft document without any reservations, input or balanced views. It is painfully clear that we are on the road to an EU constitution which will supersede our own.
Regrettably, the FG, FF, PD and Labour leaderships have already acquiesced in the notion, yet have failed to be truthful with the Irish people.
It is of great concern that Italy's Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi, has already told European leaders and
foreign ministers that the work of the EU convention must be completed within the nine-week period of the
inter-governmental conference (IGC) which is starting in Rome on October 4 next.
Mr Berlusconi has also discussed with the EU commission president Romano Prodi the idea of a European government, giving the jobs of commissioners to EU prime ministers.
Irish people deserve to know where their political representatives are leading them.
The stated intention of the European convention is to establish a constitution for Europe what could be clearer than that? We now have a choice to make on the direction in which Europe is going.
It is time for clarity and honest debate. It is also time for elected representatives from all parties who value and wish to uphold our constitution to stand side by side.
The real question is: "Can we trust those same political leaders to defend Ireland's constitution and to tell the truth to the Irish people?"
Dana Rosemary Scallon MEP,
6, Colonial Buildings,
Eglinton Street,
Galway.
