The European project is a noble one, whereby people from different cultures come together to mix and work freely and adapt to one another. Irish people emigrated to the United States, Australia and other countries where they did the hard physical work. They worked because they were able to and wanted to gain a foothold. The accession countries are proud of the fact that they have progressed so far that they are eligible for admission to the European Union. When I canvassed for the Nice treaty, I made the point that it was an open and generous way to respond to the demands of Europe. In years to come our society will greatly benefit from the cultures it will have absorbed. They will add to our culture and modern history.