The Nice treaty is about guaranteeing that the enlargement of the European Union can take place in the near future. In 1999 EU leaders agreed in Nice to the text of this treaty. They were of the view that changes must be made within the key institutions of Europe if enlargement was to succeed. Fourteen Governments in Europe have now ratified the provisions of the treaty and Ireland remains the only country yet to ratify them. Rejection of the Nice treaty will mean enlargement of the European Union will be indefinitely delayed. It is not in our interest to reject it and it will not help our international image if we block the legitimate wishes of the people of eastern and central Europe to join the European Union. They have had to endure the brutality of totalitarianism and communist regimes for almost 50 years. They believe that joining the European Union will help in consolidating their democratic and civil structures.