Ireland votes today on Lisbon Treaty. All articles from Dublin Independent - Thursday June 12 2008.
independent.ie
Decision will be far-reaching
TODAY Irish citizens must make a choice which could turn out to be the most momentous decision of our lives. It will determine the future of the European Union. For better or worse, it will affect the wellbeing of this country, the voters' own lives and the lives of their children.
We are being asked to give the go-ahead to a voluntary agreement negotiated between 27 democratically elected governments to improve the efficient running of an expanded EU.
Tomorrow afternoon, Europe will know whether Ireland has chosen to retain its considerable influence in Europe or to undermine many years of work by member states.
The latter choice would present the EU with a crisis. We can only guess how the Union might set about solving that crisis, but we can be sure the consequences would not be good for Ireland. Those who foresee dancing in the streets of Europe after such an outcome are fooling themselves.
A rejection of nearly 10 years of institutional discussions and diplomatic compromises would win no friends for Ireland, particularly since many of those "compromises" were in our favour, secured over the years by Irish negotiators.
Yet some people would throw away those hard-won advantages without any notion of what, if anything, might replace them.
Renegotiation of the treaty is not an option. The assertion that the treaty represents a bad deal for Ireland and that, therefore, it does not matter if the rest of Europe chooses not to talk to us if we reject it is mischievous and dangerous.
Perhaps some of those who advocate rejection would savour a whiff of danger on behalf of us all?
In the event of a 'No' vote, the rest of Europe is unlikely to simply abandon everything and return to the present framework of the Treaty of Nice.
Those who suggest that we should send the Government back to negotiate a "better" deal are either very naive or are consciously misleading the public.
The benefits of the European Union today, particularly for a small country like ours, should be self-evident. Ireland has benefited more than most countries from its membership. In terms of trade and finance, our EU membership unlocked the door to a market of 500 million people, paved the way for large-scale foreign investment into the country and transformed the economy in a multitude of ways.
In terms of national pride and international status, it has helped to define our place among the nations of the world and won us respect. Ireland is seen as a progressive player within the European community and many of our representatives have distinguished themselves over the years.
Rejection of the Lisbon Treaty would diminish our status and influence in Europe at the worst possible time.
There is no need to rehearse the elements of the economic downturn -- a near dormant building industry, fallout from the credit crisis, rising unemployment and low consumer confidence.
A 'Yes' will not put these things right, but it will be a positive vote in favour of stability and cooperation, an end to the confusion and divisive squabbling that have marked the referendum campaigns.
The outcome will be viewed as the Irish people's verdict not only on the Lisbon Treaty, but upon the very concept of the European Union itself, a statement about its institutions and decision-making procedures. This from a country which benefited for decades as a net beneficiary of funds provided by the European taxpayer.
Whatever the outcome, it is unthinkable that, with the eyes of Europe upon us, the Irish electorate should show indifference by failing to turn out in numbers to vote on such an important issue.
When the Nice Treaty was voted down in 2001 the turnout was under 35pc -- the lowest ever for a Europe referendum. The Government restaged it in 2002 and it was passed. That is not an option this time.
Today we can show that we recognise and approve the vigorous and efficient European Union equipped with policies capable of dealing with with the many problems that lie ahead. We can best do this by voting 'Yes'.
independent.ie
The treaty made simple
The Lisbon Treaty is a complex legal document and its fate will be decided today by voters in this country.
The campaigning and debating is all over, so now it's up to the people to make their decision.
What effect will the Treaty have on tax?
Lisbon continues the veto allowing a state to block changes on taxation. But it also contains a provision allowing the European Council, if it secured the support of all member nations, to change the rules in favour of majority voting.
Ireland's independent Referendum Commission said in effect the veto on tax remains in the Lisbon Treaty, again at the European Council level and thirdly in the national parliament.
What does the treaty do on the military front?
Over the last five decades Ireland has built an internationally respected reputation for UN peacekeeping, thanks in part to neutrality.
Fears have been expressed over military expansion in Europe and demands on countries to massively increase their defence budgets.
Under the Lisbon Treaty, foreign, security and defence decisions must be made unanimously.
Ireland's neutrality is protected but there is an obligation to aid and assist, in accordance with the UN, a state which is the victim of armed aggression.
The type of aid and assistance that is required is not specified, but it must not affect security and defence policies of states, including Ireland's neutrality.
Also, states are obliged to help each other after a terrorist attack, natural or man-made disaster.
What happens to Ireland's European Commissioner?
With 27 states in the enlarged EU, and if the treaty is passed, only two-thirds of the Union will nominate a commissioner in 2014, creating 18 posts. Currently, each state has a commissioner.
The right to nominate a commissioner will rotate among states, with countries putting forward a name for two out of every three commissions, or 10 years out of every 15.
Precise details on how this will work have not yet been decided.
How are Ireland's voting powers affected?
Under Lisbon, from 2014, voting rules change to a qualified majority or double majority.
It means decisions must meet two conditions -- first, 55pc of states must agree, and second, supporting states must represent 65pc of the EU's 500 million citizens.
What's the story with "qualified majority voting"?
At present, it applies to a wide range of issues, including agriculture, competition rules, consumer protection, environment and judicial cooperation in civil matters.
Lisbon proposes to apply it to energy, asylum, immigration, judicial cooperation in criminal matters, and sport.
At least four countries must be opposed to a decision in order for it to be blocked, but if fewer than four join forces, then the qualified majority will be deemed to have been reached, even if the population target is not.
How will the European Council change?
Under Lisbon, a new post of president will be created and elected by qualified majority by the council to chair and coordinate its work. Terms run for two-and-a-half years and nominees can hold the office twice.
independent.ie
On a knife-edge
By Fionnan Sheahan, Aine Kerr and Michael Brennan
Thursday June 12 2008
The Lisbon Treaty referendum is poised on a knife-edge today as the 'Yes' and 'No' camps pull out all the stops to get out their supporters -- while the rest of Europe looks on from the sidelines.
Slightly more than three million voters in this country will impact on the future of nearly 500 million people in 26 other member states across the European Union.
The political parties and campaign groups alike will unleash the biggest ever voter turnout drive for a referendum, with both predicting last night that the result will be tight.
The 'Yes' and 'No' camps finished off their campaigning yesterday with Taoiseach Brian Cowen canvassing in his heartland of Laois-Offaly, describing today's poll as "an important date in Irish history".
Polling stations will be open across the country from 7am to 10pm -- the longest period ever for a referendum.
Turnout is still expected to be under 50pc, with the 'Yes' side left hoping there won't be a repeat of the first Nice result, where the referendum was defeated. Observers remarked last night, however, on how extraordinary it was that a vote of such import will still prompt so relatively few to go out and vote. On the other hand, campaigners were saying the race had resulted in a heightened level of awareness, with much of the electorate taking an active view. The weather is expected to be good in most parts of the country, which would help to boost turnout.
Ireland is the only country to be holding a referendum on the European Reform Treaty, so the outcome here has the potential to sink the treaty or ensure its path is smoothed across the EU.
Party strategists are also keenly watching the difference between the turnout in Dublin versus the rest of the country.
And the 'Yes' campaign is particularly conscious that the first Nice Treaty referendum was lost because the pro-treaty vote didn't come out.
As in a general election, the parties will be transporting supporters to polling stations and monitoring the turnout.
Messages
Fianna Fail will put together what it regards as its biggest voter turnout campaign for a referendum and will be using text messages, phone calls and letters to ensure its supporters vote today. "The last 24 hours is the key period in any campaign. Each TD is appointed as director of elections so they are responsible for the activities in their area and putting out a 'get out the vote' strategy," a party source said.
Fine Gael distributed a special leaflet designed to encourage people to vote, as well as sending out text messages in the name of the party leader Enda Kenny.
"We're making a much bigger effort this time out," a spokesman said.
The 'No' campaigners will also be doing their best to ensure its supporters are out in force. Libertas is operating a telephone bank today to call people who identified themselves as 'No' voters when they were canvassed by volunteers to ensure they come out to vote.
Libertas will be focusing on voters in the city areas, especially Dublin. "That's where the real battle is on," a source said.
Mr Cowen claimed today's vote will decide whether Ireland continues its positive approach to the EU or begins a new and uncertain route.
He said that at a time of economic uncertainty, it is in Ireland's "vital national interest" to have a reformed European Union working for the country.
"After 35 years of respecting and helping Ireland, the EU has earned the right not to be seen as a threat to us and I believe that the Irish people will reflect on this when examining the arguments of both sides of the argument," he said.
Mr Cowen also said he did not believe the ongoing controversy over the personal finances of his predecessor, Bertie Ahern, was relevant to the referendum.
Merits
"People are looking at this issue on its merits and Mr Ahern is held in the highest regard by our organisation and we wish him well," he said.
Libertas chairman Declan Ganley has appealed to Irish people to turn out to vote and reject the treaty tomorrow, saying that a 'No' vote would "send our leaders back to the drawing board".
Fine Gael claimed many 'No' voters were switching to the pro-treaty side amid concerns about the negative fallout from defeating the Lisbon Treaty.
Fine Gael director of elections Gay Mitchell said he was "optimistic" of a 'Yes' victory. However, when asked if the treaty had been a "hard sell", Mr Mitchell conceded it had been difficult to make the pitch for a 'Yes' vote because there was no "one big idea" you could explain to voters.
- Fionnan Sheahan, Aine Kerr and Michael Brennan
independent.ie
Independent.ie
Taoiseach makes a last plea to stay true to EU
By ine Kerr Political Correspondent
Thursday June 12 2008
TAOISEACH Brian Cowen last night claimed today's vote will decide whether Ireland continues its positive approach to the EU or begins a new and uncertain route.
In his last plea to voters, Mr Cowen said that at a time of economic uncertainty, it is in Ireland's "vital national interest" to have a reformed European Union working for the country.
"After 35 years of respecting and helping Ireland, the EU has earned the right not to be seen as a threat to us and I believe that the Irish people will reflect on this when examining the arguments of both sides of the argument," said Mr Cowen.
On the eve of the poll, which he described as an "important date in Irish history", he urged voters to exercise their vote between 7am and 10pm.
"It will decide whether or not our country stays true to its positive approach to the European Union or takes a new and uncertain route," he said.
Separately, Fine Gael last night claimed many 'No' voters were switching to the pro-treaty side amid concerns about the negative fall-out from defeating the Lisbon Treaty.
Victory
The party's MEP and director of elections, Gay Mitchell, said he was "optimistic" of a 'Yes' victory during the last press conference before today's vote.
However, when asked if the treaty had been a "hard sell", Mr Mitchell conceded it had been difficult to make the pitch for a 'Yes' vote because there was no "one big idea" that you could explain to voters.
Spokeswoman for European affairs, Lucinda Creighton, said 'No' voters had begun switching to the other side after last week's opinion polls.
"There has been a major shift in relation to this treaty. I think there was a surge for the 'No' side but I think that 'Yes' voters have galvanised and have come out very strongly in favour of the treaty over the past five days or so," she said.
This was echoed by the party's foreign affairs spokesman, Billy Timmins, who claimed that until recently, voters' level of information had been "very low".
Important
Labour's Eamon Gilmore urged voters to turn out for what he described as a "hugely important decision" about the future direction of Ireland and the European Union.
A 'Yes' vote would mean ratification of the Lisbon Reform Treaty and all the benefits that this will bring to the people of Ireland and the people of Europe, he said.
"A 'No' vote will wipe away the results of several years of difficult negotiations between the 27 member states -- much of it conducted under an Irish presidency -- and plunge the EU into a period of doubt and uncertainty," he said.
"There is little prospect of a new treaty being negotiated and zero prospect of a better deal being secured for Ireland."
He argued that ratification of the treaty would bring additional benefits to Irish workers; provide a more open and democratic Europe; ensure that the institutions can operate more effectively while ensuring that Irish interests and particularly Irish neutrality is protected.
SDLP leader Mark Durkan yesterday urged a 'Yes' vote.
Mr Durkan heaped criticism on Sinn Fein for a campaign he said was built on "scares and distorted claims" and putting their party interest above the national interest.
- ine Kerr Political Correspondent
independent.ie
Independent.ie
'Outspent by 20-to-one', but Sinn Fein still senses victory
By Aine Kerr Political Correspondent
Thursday June 12 2008
SINN Fein last night claimed it had been outspent by 20 to one by the 'Yes' campaign but was on the verge of securing a majority 'No' vote.
The party's MEP Mary Lou McDonald claimed recent opinion polls, which showed momentum behind the 'No' campaign, had sent a "shockwave" through the political establishment, prompting the major parties to intensify their campaign. However, she deemed some of their arguments "pretty disgraceful".
"I think to suggest that the very worrying trend in unemployment levels is in anywhere linked to uncertainty around Lisbon is just an utter misrepresentation and utterly unfair to people who have to make the decision," she said.
Canvassing on Moore Street in Dublin city centre on the eve of polling day, Ms McDonald predicted the final result would be "very tight". She urged people to turn out and vote No and put pressure on the Government being new negotiations.
"It's clear people have misgivings about it. It's a bad deal. The Government not only can do better but have a responsibility to do better, but in order for them to do that, we need people to come out and vote," she said. "The 'Yes' campaign clearly believes they have this in the bag. Every vote will be crucial."
Asked if it had been difficult for Sinn Fein to compete with Libertas given its massive budget, Ms McDonald said her party had spent €100,000, compared to the €1.3m Libertas is believed to have spent.
The Sinn Fein MEP said: "I'm very hopeful that Irish people in their wisdom will put the ball at the foot of An Taoiseach to go back to his colleagues to negotiate a better deal for us," she said.
Last night, Libertas chairman Declan Ganley appealed for people to vote and reject the Lisbon Treaty. Describing the last weeks and months as "long and hard", Mr Ganley said there were two choices facing voters.
"Do they really believe that this is the best deal that this country can achieve? Or do they believe the reports coming from Brussels that say we can get something better?" he asked.
"We need to keep our Commissioner. That was government policy for 20 years, and it's just as sensible now."
- Aine Kerr Political Correspondent
independent.ie
Campaign of gaffes, drama, intrigue and a hint of desperation
April 28: Ireland's independent Referendum Commission insists Ireland will be able to veto demands by the EU for changes to taxes, including the low corporation levy, if the Lisbon referendum is passed.
May 12: The date of the referendum is formally set and the 'Yes' campaign faces its first hurdle after Taoiseach Brian Cowen comes clean and reveals he has not read the Lisbon Treaty.
May 17: An opinion poll gives the 'Yes' camp a clear lead, with almost double the support of the 'No' side, but there are still three weeks left in the campaign.
May 20: Tanaiste Mary Coughlan is left red-faced after repeating her mistake on Commissioner numbers for the second time in four days at a press conference.
Her party colleague, Minister of State for European Affairs Dick Roche, whispered in her ear -- apparently giving her the correct information.
May 23: And the confessions continue. Ireland's EU Commissioner Charlie McCreevy joins the Taoiseach in a frank admission that he has not read the Treaty.
He also says he wouldn't expect "ordinary, decent, Irish people'' to spend hours digesting it.
May 25: An opinion poll puts the 'Yes' and 'No' camps just eight points apart.
May 26: EU President Jose Manuel Barroso gets in on the debate and insists a 'No' vote would be bad for the whole of Europe.
June 2: The influential Irish Farmers' Association boosts the 'Yes' camp after it secures Government commitments to veto a deal at the World Trade talks in return for support of Lisbon --a welcome fillip for the Taoiseach.
June 4: Mr Justice Iarfhlaith O'Neill, a respected High Court judge and head of the Referendum Commission, offers a vague response when asked to explain complex EU voting rules under Lisbon.
The judge made the blunder during a press conference to clarify key issues in the Lisbon debate.
June 6: An opinion poll shows a massive swing to the 'No' side, with the number of people opposed to Lisbon doubling to 35pc just a week before polling begins.
June 9: Government and opposition leaders join forces for the first time in a desperate push for a 'Yes' vote. Meanwhile, French foreign minister Bernard Kouchner warns that if Ireland votes 'No' to Lisbon then "the first victim . . . would be the Irish''.
June 10: A frantic final day of press briefings are held as both the 'Yes' and 'No' camps attempt to sway thousands of undecided voters ahead of the vote on June 12.
independent.ie
We owe vote to this man
By Mary Cody
Thursday June 12 2008
THE actions of a Kilkenny man secured the right for three million Irish citizens to vote on behalf of 500 million Europeans in today's Lisbon Treaty referendum.
Ireland is the only country in the EU where citizens are being allowed to vote on the adoption, or not, of the Lisbon Treaty European Constitution.
Raymond Crotty's daughter Mary, and her sister Ann, who has returned from South Africa where she works as a journalist to campaign for a 'No' Vote, explained the pivotal action which their father took and which could now impact on the shape and direction Europe takes in the future.
"The French and Dutch, who were given an opportunity to vote on the European Constitution, voted against it. They are not being given an opportunity to vote on the Lisbon Treaty," she said.
"We are being afforded this right, not because our government has secured it for us, but because our father, Raymond Crotty, took the Irish government to court back in 1986.
"The Supreme Court ruled in that case that in the event of any major change within the EU that impacted upon Ireland's constitution, the government would be obliged to get approval for that change from the Irish people.
"The implications of the current treaty are so wide-ranging that lawyers who worked on our dad's case believe that, if it is implemented, it will be our last EU-related referendum."
- Mary Cody
independent.ie
Islanders want end to early vote policy
Brian McDonald
Islanders off the west coast who yesterday cast their votes in the Lisbon Treaty referendum say they are fed up being treated differently from the rest of the country.
They say they don't have access to information on last-minute campaign developments, which helps other voters make up their minds.
About 1,200 people were entitled to vote on the Aran islands of Inis Mor, Inis Meain and Inis Oirr as well as on the island of Inishbofin off Cleggan.
Officially, the islanders have been told that the early vote is to facilitate the return of the ballot boxes to the mainland without undue delay.
But Inis Mor islander Seamus O Flatharta said he believed the tradition of early voting on the islands was treating islanders as second-class citizens.
"We should be treated exactly the same as the rest of the country. We're second-class citizens at the moment and that's not fair in this day and age.
"They should give us the same time to make up our minds as everyone else. A lot of things can happen and do happen, overnight, so, it's only fair that we all go to the polls on the same day".
Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Eamon O Cuiv was leaving nothing to chance by travelling to Inis Mor--the biggest of the West coast islands--to lobby for a 'Yes' vote. Early indications were of a low turnout.
independent.ie
'Rumours are running wild here'
Valery Giscard D'Estaing, one of the authors of the rejected EU constitution, ominously warned: "Public opinion will be led to adopt, without knowing it, the proposals that we dare not present to them directly . . . All the earlier proposals will be in the new text but will be hidden and disguised in some way.''
Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern set the tone for the referendum campaign in February by branding opponents of the Lisbon Treaty as "the loo-laas and loony left''.
Ireland's EU Commissioner Charlie McCreevy lightened the mood a few weeks from polling day by suggesting no "sane'' person would study the treaty: "I don't expect ordinary, decent Irish people . . . to sit down and spend hours and hours reading sections about sub-sections referring to articles of other sub-articles."
A Danish TV reporter pulled up Taoiseach Brian Cowen on how well he knows the treaty: "Rumours are running wild here. It has been suggested you have admitted to not having read the treaty yourself. Is that true? And if it is true, how can you recommend that people should vote 'Yes'?''
Mr Cowen quickly reassured her: "I've seen more drafts of this treaty than perhaps you would care to find.''
Entrepreneur Ulick McEvaddy pulled no punches in his assessment: "The treaty is so ambiguous; you could take every line of it and challenge it . . . It is unintelligible drivel.''
Libertas chairman and anti-treaty frontman Declan Ganley said that "the deal that has been achieved by Ireland in this treaty is an embarrassment''.
Former Fine Gael leader Alan Dukes described anti-treaty groups as "a bunch of people in a permanent state of paranoia, worrying about where the next axe is going to fall".
independent.ie
* * * |
