Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Many of the analysts who write about our current economic difficulties argue that deeper integration is required if the euro is to succeed and the economic prosperity of Europe is to be protected and increased. This is the essence of the difficulty we face at present. I campaigned on the opposite side to Deputy Crowe in the recent referendum but there is much truth in his remarks about the people’s opinion on handing over national powers to European institutions. The economic imperative appears to be deeper integration but in the middle of a deep and continuing crisis the political appetite for such integration is weak. Before the European project seeks to deepen integration further we have to be able to show our people that we can deal with our present difficulties. A tension exists between these imperatives. Eurobarometer polls of Irish people show a steady decline in trust in European economic institutions. While the referendum was carried by a large majority, it should not be assumed that it was driven by wild enthusiasm for the institutions in question. There is significant concern about their accountability to the people and the prospect of deeper political integration is limited while this crisis goes unresolved. We should tread carefully in the meantime.