DUBLIN : Another Verdict on EC
Amid signs of a spreading rebellion against a united Europe, Ireland on Thursday will become the second nation to put the European Community’s proposed treaty before the voters.
On June 2, Danes shocked the Establishment by refusing to ratify the so-called Maastricht Treaty, approved last December by heads of the 12 EC nations. And in Ireland, there are signs of balking, too.
Recent polls showed only 47% of the Irish favoring the treaty, which would give Western Europe a common currency and increase political and economic cooperation. All four major Irish political parties support the treaties. But among the opponents are extremists from both ends of the abortion debate, the Greens and far leftists.
Analysts also point to a rift between Europe’s people and its politicians. “The protest is against the Irish government for not explaining what it was signing,” said Dublin journalist John Cooney.
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