The Gazette 1972

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

(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. 112

(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.