Member of Europe is “correct and good for Ireland”

March 4, 1975

Sir – the result of the British referendum on the quality of member of the European Economic Community will be of special importance to all people living in Northern Ireland and, in particular, for nationalist people.

I believe that most people are open to be convinced that belonging to Europe is correct and good for Ireland and that since British belonging will allow us to avoid the painful choices that the entire Irish nation will face if the UK had withdrawn most people will vote in favor of continuous British belonging.

The affection and esteem for the nations of Europe have always been part of the Irish character. Throughout Europe, there is abundant evidence of the essential Europeanism of Ireland. From time to time, the awareness of Europe has darkened because of our pain treatment with the British, but it has always been a perspective in our national perspectives and a constant theme of our national consciousness.

This sympathy with Europe is a solid instinct. The Irish expressed them in May 1972, when an 80 % report to 20 % approved the membership of the community.

We, in the north, now have the chance to support this decision.

Europe gave Ireland a role and released it by its old position of “John Bull’s other island.” Now we are part of a group of nations trying a more advanced type of cooperation and international partnership than has been provided so far.

The economic benefits of Europe can only be considered at least, at least, a period of five years, but there are already some positive results that we can indicate. First of all, from January 1973, when Irish belonging began the degree of addiction to the British market for our products has been visibly reduced.

In a simple period of two years and a few months, the percentage of Irish exports that go to the UK has dropped from 60 PC to 50 PC. This diversification of our trade is a welcome development because it releases us from our addiction to the state of the British economy. I think this trend will continue.

Letter from SDLP Assemblyman for Mid-Ulster Aidan J Larkin on the benefits for people in Northern Ireland, especially nationalists, the United Kingdom remaining in the EEC.