What has Ireland contributed to the EU (good and bad) ? And what should we contribute in future?

We have some members here who know a lot about the EU, and I would be very interested to hear their views on this.

The main things I can think of are

- our fish
- Peter Sutherland
- Charlie McCreevy
- One line on climate change in the Lisbon Treaty
- Some efficient eurocrats
- Libertas as a potential "Pan-european Party".

The fish was a pretty big gift, but does it compensate for the dodgy right wing politicians, who have helped to steer a deregulatory agenda? Has Ireland brought more to the EU than I am giving credit for?

You can add me to that list Cactus.

Actually you should add the fact that Irishworkforce is among the most mobile in Europe(well before the poles joined). Unlike the stay-at home Germans, ourselves and the Brits can be found working in every location in every profession - making europe a reality.

Pat Cox, former President of the European Parliament.
Catherine Day, current Secretary General of the European Commission.

Yes, but Respvblica, Cox and Day are people. Is there anything we've contributed in terms of policy, structure, democratisation?

Securing the signing of the European Constitutional Treaty which was largely the basis for the European Reform Treaty, Lisbon.

Cox and Day are people but it is our people who bring forth ideas.