However, the world does change a great deal. I have always believed deeply in the European ideal. I was excited about it from the first time I heard about it. At the time I was a young member of Macra na Feirme. I recall my disappointment when Ireland was not accepted as a member because the British application went wrong. According to Professor Joe Lee's history, "Ireland 1912-1985", our first application was not studied by the European Union. The then Government did not reveal that. Although the European Union at the time was still quite vulnerable it did not believe that Ireland had reached a point where it could join and be an equal member of the partnership of European countries. It was a failure of understanding on its part but it is a great tribute to the Irish people that Ireland has come so far.