ABSTRACT
The Republic of Ireland joined the European Union in 1973, at the same time as Britain and Denmark. But unlike both of those countries, Ireland has a reputation as an enthusiastic pro-European country, and there is a far-reaching consensus among Irish parties in favour of EU membership. All of them are in favour of European integration and the progressive development of the Union. Furthermore, there is an equally strong degree of consensus among them about the policies of the EU and about promoting national interests in the Union.
