Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

One of the most important challenges facing us, as legislators, and all people is to create an environment where armed hostility is not seen as a solution to any problem. When we have to reflect on armed hostility in any part of the world we realise how difficult it is to stop once it has started. With that in mind we sometimes forget what the European project was all about. Of course, it had economic elements to it but it was also to ensure that we would never return to a war situation between nations in Europe. Therefore, in any debate on that issue we will all be disappointed by the statement by Prime Minister David Cameron that it is his intention to hold a referendum on the future of Britain within the European Union. As he does not intend to hold it until after the next election he may be pushing the boat out a little bit for comfort. It is a pity he made the announcement at a time when we are celebrating and embracing the European Presidency here.

I do not think any of us could imagine a European Union without Britain. It plays an integral role and has done that at all times. At times it seeks better conditions for itself but so do we all, but we do not threaten to consider leaving the European Union if we do not get our way. My hope is that during the next six month we will use every opportunity with Prime Minister Cameron to ensure he reflects and considers what has been done by his statement. Unfortunately, the fact that he has made the statement, it is no longer his call to withdraw it. He has started a momentum which he will not be able to control. Looking at the polls in Britain, we should also realise that it is possible that such a referendum would decide to withdraw. The environment has to be created in the coming six months to get a message across to the people of Britain that without Britain in the European Union it will not be effective. As it is our nearest neighbour we have a particular vested interest in Britain remaining within the European Union to ensure there will never again be a need for hostilities to resolve any problem with which we may be faced.