Mary White (Fianna Fail)

I hope to refute the negative arguments of my colleague, Ms McDonald, MEP. In seven countries, the European constitution has already been ratified by referendum or in Parliament. The suggestion today is that many countries will reject the constitution. If Ireland is to retain its standard of living and ensure international investment, it is critical that it remains at the heart of Europe. Common sense dictates that we vote yes. The Government has maintained pressure on Europe to allow us to retain the 12.5% corporation tax. We are entitled to this tax, which is one of the secrets of our success. I am pragmatic about the European Union. Quality of life for Irish people will be maintained through a positive vote.

I wish to discuss current events in France. Two weeks ago, Mr. Nicolas Sarkozy, president of the UMP and a prospective presidential candidate in 2007, implored young French people to vote "Yes" for Europe. He told them not to allow the negative attitude of French people to their sluggish economy and high level of unemployment to get in the way of voting for Europe. I do not need to repeat earlier arguments about the positive aspects of Europe. Mr. Sarkozy, who is 50 years of age, said that it was the first time a person of his age was not called up to fight in a war. This is all about Europe and its foundation of peace.

While I studied for my leaving certificate in 1962, I was inundated with Government missives on Europe and held discussions on topics such as buntáistí agus míbhuntáistí an chómhargadh. It is clear that Europe has been good for Ireland. Women, including myself in 1969, had to leave their jobs in the Civil Service after marriage until a European directive in 1973 ended this requirement. The charter of human rights will bring greater equality to women in Ireland.

Recently, Archbishop Diarmuid Martin said that a quarter or 1 million of all Catholics in the country live in Dublin. However, there will be only one ordination this year and there will be none next year. I am a practising Catholic and a member of a choir but I will not say where——