The countdown is on to Lisbon mark two and both sides of the camp are hysterically throwing out the ‘facts’. Everyone is accusing the other of scaremongering and lying. Who can contradict them, I’m not sure — maybe the Taoiseach has got round to actually reading the Treaty this time and could put a few myths to bed.
But he’s up to his eyes with NAMA and trying to save the economy from self combustion.
Whether the public are more knowledgeable this time around is anyone’s guess. But what’s certain is the Yes side have made a more concerted effort this time out to seal your vote.
The Referendum Commission, which is only there to give us the facts and isn’t in the job of swaying our opinions, has certainly stepped up to the plate and nobody in the pro-treaty camp is taking any chances this time. Sure the country will fall apart and break free of Europe if we don’t return a Yes vote this time out. Imagine, we’ll hook up with Boston, or maybe New York, after a gruelling winter passage across the Atlantic. We’ll start talking like Yankees and our children won’t want Blue Thunder or SuperMacs any more — no, it will be Wendy’s all the way. That’s what they would have you believe anyway.
If we vote Yes magic will happen. Fairies will be seen dancing in the streets and thanks be to God the bickering between Declan Ganley and Yes campers will cease.
It’s probably too serious a topic to be joking about it. Ex RTÉ economist and newly crowned Fine Gael TD George Lee is coming to town to put the squeeze on us. He’ll be around on Monday night with the Yes side. Sinn Féin held a public meeting for the other camp last night. If you’re unsure head out to see George in the TF, or contact a Sinn Féiner locally to help inform yourself of the facts.
Not a single word of the treaty has changed since the last time we entered the voting booths. But the Government has assured us certain concessions have been secured which will satisfy the concerns of the electorate in Ireland who very resoundingly said No last time.
Whatever way you’re swaying, one thing I implore you not to do is vote No because you want to punish the Government. You’ll have your time to do to them what you wish in the voting booths shortly enough. A general election won’t be too far away if the opposition parties are to be believed anyway. Now is the time to actually take the treaty seriously for what it is and what it means to our country.
The Referendum Commission ads are actually quite informative and can be heard on radio and seen on TV. They state facts. They don’t try to sway your opinion. And there is no one shouting across the room with contradictory information while the man in the ad is trying to get his message across.
Stick to websites like www.refcom.ie which are independent and unbiased. There, in the comfort of your workplace or sitting room, you can get a grasp of what the treaty stands for and what its consequences will be should it be passed. Don’t worry, Declan Ganley’s head doesn’t appear anywhere on the website. Actually if you want to hear what the Libertas leader has to say, Google him — there are plenty of articles in which he is quoted and outlines his opposition to this Treaty.
Whatever side you’re swaying to, the important thing is that you use your democratic right to vote and have your say on referendum day.
Toni Bourke Editor [email protected]
