In all the discussions we have had on the future direction of the European Union – whether in the debate that preceded the referendum, in the National Forum on Europe or elsewhere – there has been an overwhelming national consensus in favour of enlargement. Irish people, who have themselves felt the pain of conflict and division, see the expansion of the Union and the ending of the unnatural division of the European continent as a project of historic importance. When Ireland deposits its instrument of ratification, one of the final few pieces of the jigsaw will fall into place.