Sir, – Eoin Drea challenges us to reflect on what Ireland brings more broadly to the table at EU level (“Michael McGrath’s new job in Europe shows just how far Ireland’s stock has fallen”, Opinion, September 18th).
However, being tasked with protecting democracy, rule of law and justice for nearly 450 million citizens is not an insignificant portfolio.
This will no doubt be a difficult and sensitive area for the next commission, but to call it a “thankless task of policing wannabe European dictators” neglects the importance of these issues to the European public.
Democratic backsliding and the rise of the far-right is a threat to all member states. Tackling disinformation and safeguarding electoral integrity will also be crucial. Ireland now has the opportunity to contribute to upholding the fundamental values of the EU. The principles of democracy and rule of law are foundational to the EU project – without them, there might be little left of the EU to discuss. – Yours, etc,
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NOELLE O CONNELL,
Chief executive, European Movement Ireland,
Dublin 2.
Sir, – Eoin Drea, in his grim assessment of Ireland’s standing in the EU, says “in Brussels, the joke is on us”.
As I look at the grim vista of an underperforming health service, an intractable housing crisis and a decrepit public transport system, I would say that in Ireland the joke is also on us. – Yours, etc,
BRIAN KELLY,
Dublin 14.
Sir, – Ursula von der Leyen’s new European Commission is quite considered, some might say cynical. Which EU country has the least agricultural land? Luxembourg, so Luxembourg gets agriculture.
Which EU country ranks lowest in science, technology and research? Bulgaria, so the Bulgarian gets research.
Amongst EU countries furthest from Atlantic Ocean – Cyprus, so give the Cypriot responsibility for oceans. Which commissioner has outstanding experience of finance and economics but none of justice? Ireland’s, so let’s give him justice.
Commissioners are thus rendered more reliant on their officials. In fact the president said as much in her press conference. Sir Humphrey Appleby comes to Brussels! – Yours, etc,
HUGH LOGUE,
Former European Commission official,
Dublin 2.