Time for Change - this time its YES
Monday, 21 September 2009 18:45
In the last referendum on Lisbon, I voted ‘NO’ because I had serious concerns about the lack of an Irish voice on the E.U. Commission, the incorporation of the European Defence Agency (EDA) into the European treaties, the threat to our neutrality, tax, workers rights, the threat to the Oireachtas and the need to build a more democratic and peaceful Europe.   I set out my stall to the Irish people and voted ‘NO’.

I have now completed a detailed consultation process with my election team and supporters.   I have met the Minister for Foreign Affairs and will probably meet him again. I am not happy with some of the people in the ‘Yes’ campaign, especially those that claim to be democrats and act in an arrogant manner.

However, this debate is bigger than me and I have a duty to put the interest of the Irish people first.   I am not going to play politics and have done my best to make an informed decision.   I have always been an internationalist supporting human rights across the globe and not just in the E.U.
During the debate I wanted firm and legal guarantees.   I also wanted a commitment to a protocol.   We now appear to have achieved these objectives.   There is now a package of legally binding guarantees on the table.   I have to look at them seriously and I cannot just walk away and say ‘No’ for the sake of saying ‘NO’.  

Lisbon 2 is a step in the right direction.   We appear to remain in control of our own tax rates, Ireland’s traditional policy of military neutrality seems to be guaranteed and there’s a solemn declaration making clear the importance of workers rights and public services.   Can I ignore the cast-iron legal guarantees on taxation or neutrality?

It was disgraceful in the last referendum when politicians used posters to push themselves rather than explain the issues to our people.   It is time to grow up and be straight with our citizens.

The Irish electorate are sophisticated and can spot the game-players.   I urge your readers to listen to the debate and then make up your own minds.  
Do not be bullied by misinformation.   I still have major concerns about Lisbon and the activities of some in the European Union.   However, this will not stop me making a decision that is in the interest of the Irish people.  I have now decided to vote ‘YES’ at this critical time in our history.   My reasons are as follows:

1.    Our commissioner: all member states now retain their commissioner in each commission.

2.    Exclusive control over our neutrality.

3.    Taxation, abortion, family and education laws remain exclusively in the power of the Irish people and remain outside EU jurisdiction.

4.    The Treaty of Lisbon does not affect or prejudice Ireland’s traditional policy of military neutrality.   The Treaty of Lisbon does not provide for the creation of a European army or for conscription to any military formation.   It does not affect the right of Ireland to determine the nature and volume of its defence and security expenditure.

5.    The Defence Bill going through the House soon finally deals with European Defence Agency and Article 42.3.   We decide how to spend on defence.

6.    This deals with the concerns of Peace and Neutrality Alliance (P.A.N.A.) which I support.

7.    Workers Rights are protected and given legal effect to the Charter of Fundamental Rights.

8.    This debate is also about our country’s future, the economy and jobs.   I care about Ireland’s future at this difficult time for our

9.    Citizens and my ‘YES’ vote will assist in the development our economy.
10.    Our National Debt interest could soar by €900 million if the Treaty is rejected (recent statement by 66 leading economists).

11.     It is better to work with our E.U. partners than just saying ‘NO’ again.

12.     Ireland has received some €158 billion in funding from Europe including some €117.5 billion since 1989 from the structural and cohesion funds.   The European Investment Bank (E.I.B.) has lent also €10 billion to the Irish Economy since 1973 and some €2.2 billion in the period of 2004-2008.

I still have concerns about the evolving Europe but it is up to us to elect politicians that will create a more peaceful and democratic Europe.   Sitting on the fence is not an option at this time in our history.

I urge all sides to be straight and honest with our people.   This is too serious for spin or misinformation.   It is also too serious for scoring political points.   Park that until the next election.   I too am furious at the current political and banking situation but I am holding my nose and putting on my jersey for Ireland.  Political leadership is about doing the right thing for our citizens at the right time.

I hope and pray I get it right.   Thank you for taking the time to read this.