Ireland within the realms of the EC’s first wave of enlargement

This paper essentially examines Ireland’s European integration history in the period 1966 to 1973, and covers the first premiership of Jack Lynch, as well as other related developments in this period. Particular attention is paid to the second unsuccessful application for membership of the European Communities (EC) in 1967, the departure of French president Charles de Gaulle from office in 1969, the EC accession negotiations of 1970-72, the subsequent ratification process (principally the Irish referendum), and ultimately Ireland’s successful entry into the EC at the third attempt in 1973.