Angry in Ireland

Re “Some Irish have doubts on European treaty,” June 1

The World Trade Organization talks last month are indeed relevant to the Lisbon Treaty: The European Commission has confirmed that Ireland’s right to veto the WTO agreement (a crucial tool in the government’s armory) will be abolished under Lisbon.

Under Lisbon, national parliaments will have an enshrined right to complain -- nothing more. On the other hand, the new European Union would have the power to make laws in 32 new areas that would be removed from national parliaments; power would shift to the big states and away from the smaller ones; Ireland would have no say on the European Commission (which has the monopoly on making EU laws) for five years out of every 15, and we would be committed to increased military spending (for what, exactly?) and a mutual defense pact reminiscent of NATO.

I and many others are getting fed up with everything good in Europe always being attributed to our willingness to abdicate sovereignty when ordered by men in suits.

Oisin O’Connell

Foulkesmill, Ireland