As the proposals of the EEC were outlined, the political implications it would have on Ireland had to be considered. The natural ‘spill over’ effect that European decision making would have indirectly on Irish political and cultural life caused a divide in Irish politics.
Liam Cosgrove TD, the leader of Fine Gael at the time, noted that not enough attention had been brought to the alterations to Irish life would occur. Ireland’s neutrality and not being a member of NATO were both raised as arguments against membership. James Temple Lang further expressed that the relationship between national and community law was yet to be resolved.
Furthermore, the United Kingdom had reservations about joining the EEC which would have made Ireland being accepted as a member and their actual membership increasingly difficult.
Neville Keery gave the opinion that joining the EEC would not solve any of Ireland’s problems but rather provide an environment in which to develop Ireland’s agricultural and continue industrial growth. Thus, Ireland’s success in the EEC and the political implications that it brought were entirely up to the people of Ireland. Furthermore, if Ireland were to join the EEC and maintain a level of prosperity, Irish productivity and marketing had to be drastically improved.