EU participation an ongoing evolution
About the only remaining argument against the Lisbon Treaty the 'No' campaigners have left is that they dislike being asked to vote on the same treaty twice.
But we have also voted in referendums on proportional representation, divorce and the Nice Treaty twice, and voted no less than four times in abortion-related referendums.
In fact, we seem to be making a habit of revisiting the same issues to be sure, to be sure.
Politics is an ongoing process of change, not a once off, once and for all exercise. So the 'No' campaigners had better get used to it.
Many of them have campaigned against every European treaty referendum since our accession into the EU in 1973. They have become creatures of habit and will no doubt oppose the next treaty (likely to be the accession of Croatia) as well.
We cannot have too much democracy, consultation and participation in the ongoing evolution of the European Union.
Let us rejoice that we have the opportunity to vote when so many have not, both inside and outside the European Union. But let us also not be afraid to change our minds and amend the Constitution if circumstances warrant it, as we have done on no fewer than 23 occasions before.
Our Constitution is a living document, and is the better for those amendments.
Frank Schnittger
Blessington, Co Wicklow
Patricia McKenna patronises Robbie Keane for his support of the Lisbon Treaty (Irish Independent, June 23).
In fact, sports players, and anyone with an interest in sporting opportunities being made available to our youth, should support the Lisbon Treaty because it opens the way to EU funding for grassroots projects in sport and recognises the special role of sport.
I refer to article 165 of the treaty which states that the European Union "shall contribute to the promotion of European sporting issues, while taking account of the specific nature of sport, its structures based on voluntary activity and its social and educational function".
Sporting Lisbon is not just a football club.
Benoît Keane
Etterbeek, 1040 Brussels
