Galway East Fianna Fail TD Micheal Kitt has called on the people of Galway to vote yes on the upcoming fiscal treaty referendum.
Deputy Kitt said a yes vote would benefit more than 22,000 people who are unemployed in Galway county by ensuring that Ireland remains an attractive place for foreign investment. “I will be honest and say that the Treaty will not cure all our economic woes but it will definitely allow Galway and Ireland to have a more secure foundation for our future,” Deputy Kitt said, adding that the recent announcement of 100 new jobs at Cisco in Oranmore demonstrated that Galway remains an attractive option for foreign direct investment.
“By voting yes we will have access to the funds needed for our public services at a lower interest rate. We will be sending a message that Irish people want to have a strong voice at the European table when growth opportunities and investment in job creation is being discussed,” he added.
Deputy Kitt added that Ireland’s economic recovery will be export driven and that it is vital to maintain the country’s attractiveness to multinationals. He said a yes vote to the Treaty would maintain Ireland’s stability in the eyes of the international markets.
“The Treaty outlines rules to prevent further debt and it makes sure all countries play by these rules. Full membership of the EU is critical for Galway’s recovery as our export market is there,” he said, adding that in recent years Ireland has become a major hub for technology and communications companies, such as Apple, Google, PayPal and Facebook.
“Galway needs a yes vote to secure stability and economic recovery.”
Deputy Kitt’s comments come as former Fianna Fail deputy leader and Galway West TD, Eamon O’Cuiv, has again drawn the ire of the party for his comments on the Treaty. Deputy O’Cuiv said that the Fiscal Stabilty Treaty was a bad deal for Ireland. Party leader Micheal Martin said that Fianna Fail will not be distracted from the campaign.
“I don’t accept or agree with his position,” he said.
Meanwhile, Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore reassured voters that Ireland would still be able to apply to the IMF for bailout funds even if the Treaty was rejected. Access to the European bailout fund will only be available to members of the Treaty after ratification. Campaigning on both sides began this week and information from the Referendum Commission is being distributed to all homes.
