Messages in the Media - University of Toronto

2011 IN REVIEW:
Ireland’s current relationship with the EU is quite
tumultuous. Recently, a bleak economic performance aggravated
by poor Irish leadership has resulted in demands
of Irish separation from the Eurozone. Conversely, there
are also those that feel Ireland’s image within the EU is suffering
due to their poor economic status and that it must be
repaired.
Throughout 2011, numerous articles calling for
Irish separation from the EU were published. An article in
December of 2011 blamed Ireland’s EU membership as the
root cause of the nation’s current economic crisis and the
cause of a seven-fold increase in Irish bank lending from
1997-2007. 11 Another author, in December 2011, called for
Ireland to abandon the euro for a national currency and to
reaffirm its ties with the most powerful EU countries. 12 A
poll conducted in May 2011 revealed that one in five Irish
people felt that Ireland should begin a gradual process of
disengagement from the EU. 13 Although 23% of those
polled felt that leaving the EU was necessary, 73% felt that
the status quo of EU inclusivity was necessary. Other reports
indicated Ireland’s discontent with the EU’s overarching
authority, especially in terms of Germany’s leading
role in decision-making. 14 It is not surprising to see Irish
dismay toward inclusion in the EU; however the country
has made great strides to repair its position in the institution,
especially after receiving a $112 billion loan package.
15 Moreover, some reports have argued that EU membership
has benefited Ireland greatly; blaming the current
economic crisis on a flawed international banking system. 16
One of the major reasons for the Irish media’s depiction
of a strain in the country’s relationship with the EU
is its domestic leadership. The leader in Ireland, known as
the “Taoiseach,” is Enda Kenny. Taking on a role similar to
a Prime Minister, the Taoiseach is expected to be Ireland’s
leading voice in international affairs. However, since
elected in March of 2011, Enda Kenny has yet to “hold a
single substantive meeting with any leader in the Eurozone.”
17 Kenny has also been accused of failing to recognize
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