There are no “hidden bombs or traps” in the Lisbon Treaty, according to NUI Galway president Jim Browne who is urging the people of Galway to vote yes in the upcoming referendum.
Speaking at the launch of Galway for Europe, which was held at No 8 Bar, Dock Road, last Tuesday evening, Prof Browne said that a Yes vote to Lisbon was good for Ireland as it would keep the country at the heart of the European Union project and not on the periphery.
“I do not for one moment believe that there are any hidden bombs or traps in the treaty which are designed to snatch power from the Irish Government or indeed to force through unwanted changes to the Irish constitution.
“I would ask fellow voters to resist any temptation to use the Lisbon referendum to offer a view on our economic problems and to, in some misguided sense, take revenge for what has happened to our economy. Future general elections will provide ample opportunity to pass judgment on these matters. Rejecting Lisbon in order to send a message about the state of the economy is frankly worse than cutting off your nose to spite your face,” said Prof Browne.
These views are shared by those behind Galway for Europe. The group is made of a variety of local Galway people including parents, business people, farmers, artists, women’s rights advocates, and students. They believe that the farming community and infrastructure in Galway has benefited greatly from its membership of the EU.
Prof Browne said that since 1973 Ireland has received more than €70 billion in direct transfers from Brussels. There has also been €2 billion received annually in agriculture supports. He warned that foreign direct Investment into Ireland is totally dependent on EU membership.
“Does anybody seriously believe that the investments by over 1,000 firms responsible for creating 140,000 industrial and high value service jobs would not be at risk if we as a country were ‘semi-detached’ from Europe or indeed in the slow lane of a two speed Europe?” he asked.
Galway for Europe says that the perceived difficulties with the Lisbon Treaty have been listened to and answered by the EU. These include: Ireland will keep its commissioner; Ireland will retain control of its own tax laws; Ireland’s neutrality will not be affected; Ireland retains control of sensitive ethical and social issues; and workers’ rights and public services are valued and protected in Ireland and across Europe.
The group is urging a resounding ‘yes’ to Lisbon on October 2 as it will ensure the country’s future.
