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Arguments against non-entry
If Ireland should remain outside the Common Mar-
ket the arguments of the Unionist majority in the North
will be further strengthened. T h e other question is then,
whether we can survive alone. Ou r close economic ties
with England cannot be dismissed. Associate member-
ship could, according to some, guarantee us some of the
advantages of full membership but it is doubtful
whether we would be allowed to avail of the free
movement of labour under an association. It is also
argued that we would be better off without it, because
it would result in a national takeover of our economy
by German and French capital. Yet the right of estab-
lishment of persons and corporations of one country in
another could be more effectively controlled under full
membership. We will then get protection for such indus-
tries as are vital to our national identity. Further, the
free movement of labour is not a one-way traffic. Ireland
has exported people to every corner of the globe and
the longest single benefactor in modern times has been
England. T h e recent economic crisis has been put down
to a falling off in emigration, and if we were to go it
alone, what guarantee would we have that our unique,
position with regard to that country would remain.
Some may say that in an associated position we could
retain this relationship, but this is doubtful.
Th e dogmas of the past were indeed noble, the estab-
lishment of a sovereign, independent, democratic state
was a priority men died for. But this is a time in which
the world is changing and international co-operation
rather than rivalry has become part of modern political
thinking. Should we therefore, at a turning point in
European history, as nations which have traditionally
been enemies and are now joining together to strengthen
the safeguards of peace and liberty by combining re-
sources in a European Economic Community remain
rigid in our principles of sovereignty, independence and
nationalism that have been the root cause of wars,
injustices and atrocities for generations, or rather should
we go into Europe and establish ourselves as a nation
dedicated to the abolition of the very reasons that have
causcd those wars. We do not forfeit our identity by
doing this, rather do we stand to gain recognition as
part of the second-longest trading block in the world.
We established ourselves as a nation in the United
Nations, we have sent peace-keeping forces to troubled
parts of the world and Irish emigrants have reached
the highest offices in nearly every country in the world.
Let us now therefore establish ourselves in Europe
where the talents of Irishmen, which formerly were
directed to the building of other nations can now be
directed to the building of a Europe in which Ireland
can take her place, not in isolation, but in unity.
Mr. Michael O ' Ke nn e dy, Parliamentary Secretary to
the Minister for Education, pointed out that, after the
effects of the war, the small nations of Europe banded
together to form an economic union before a political
union. In Ireland the areas of common interest are
mainly economic on both sides of the Border, hut even-
tual unification was the only practical solution. Ou r
voice alone is ineffective to overcome the objections of
the great powers, but, by associating with other small
nations, we can make our voice felt.
Mr . Seán MacBride, S.C., said it was essential for us to
enter the Common Market in order to excape the
economic and financial stranglehold of the Bank of
England. We should not hesitate in our choice if econ-
omic policies were going to he framed in future by the
European Commission instead of the British Treasury.
Full membership will undoubtedly help to achieve
European unity. We have tried in vain to maintain our
individuality against the ravages of Anglo-American
culture, and we must in future he European-minded.
Dr. Conor Cruise O'Brien, T.D., said that the Common
Market might exercise a benign effect. Before the British
initiative is announced, it is necessary for us to under-
take the following steps : A declaration subscribed to by
the three parties spelling out in detail the desiderata of
the majority as well as those of the Ulster Unionists.
This should he binding with all sincerity on all. The
Republic should not be used as a base of attack upon
the authorities of Northern Ireland. We should he will-
ing to see that our laws can no longer he construed as
sectarian; and changes in contraception and divorce
laws would influence Protestants. It is absolutely essen-
tial for us to grant concessions if a genuine dialogue is
to take place. To deny a first reading to a Bill facili-
tating contraception by medical prescription was a
grievous error by the Government. It was essential that
any constitutional changes should he framed on an all-
party basis and particularly that any idea of unification
should he preceded by trust and understanding.
The Chief Justice,
who presided, thanked the Auditor
and the speakers for an interesting evening.
Books and Journals relating to the European
Community in the Library
(1) Common Ma r k et Law Reports. From Volume 1
(1962) continuous.
(2) Common Ma r k et Law Review. From Volume 1
(1963).
(3) Campbell: Common Ma r k et Law. 2 vols., 1970.
(4) Valentine: The Court of Justice of the European
Communities. 2 vols., 1965.
(5) Honig. Brown, Gleiss and Hirsch: T h e Cartel L aw
of the European Economic Community. 1963.
(6) Bebr: Judicial Control of the European Commu-
nities. 1962.
(7) Brinkhorst and Schermers: Casebook Relating to
Judicial Remedies in the European Community*
1969.
(8) Wall: The Court of Justice of the European Com-
munities. 1966.
(9) British Institute of International and Comparative
Law: Legal Problems of an Enlarged European
Community. 1972.
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