One of the other arguments against the Nice treaty is that so-called smaller member states such as Ireland will lose out. I do not know what members of the "No to Nice" side have been reading, but if they believe that they have certainly not being reading the text of the Nice treaty. Rather than weakening our position, it strengthens it. Why would we be against a treaty that puts us on an equal footing with Britain, Germany France and the other larger member states?