alternatehistory.com

Ireland had in fact applied to the EEC in 1961.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sean_Lemass

"The programme also paved the way for free trade. In 1960 Ireland signed the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), a worldwide agreement to reduce tariffs. In 1961 Ireland applied unsuccessfully for membership of the European Economic Community. Ireland's failure to join was said to be Lemass's biggest regret and disappointment as Taoiseach. Ireland eventually joined in 1973,"

I am not certain as to why the Irish entry was turned down (one would have thought that the French would have actively sought to separate Ireland and the UK) but supposing that the EEC had decided to admit Ireland by 1963. Several more million farmers are added under the Common Agriculture Policy. Does it follow that the economic development of Ireland proceeds apace but just a decade earlier? How does this affect the British entry to the EEC? The UK will not be able to proceed with its application until after de Gaulle leaves the stage. When there is a referendum on EEC entry does the fact that Ireland is already a member help or hinder the cause of EEC membership among the British voting public?
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