Fine Gael MEP Jim Higgins has called for a properly prepared for, stand alone referendum on the Lisbon treaty.
Mr Higgins said such a referendum should not be rushed and should not be held in conjunction with EU and local elections in June.
“While the recent opinion poll might tempt some people to bring forward the date from the autumn, it must be remembered that in some previous referenda early leads in polls changed coming close to election day,” he said.
Mr Higgins added that holding such a plebiscite on June 5 in conjunction with the European and local elections might cause confusion and sidetracking from the real issue of Europe when people may be tempted to punish the government for the present crisis in the economy, which is not going to improve in the short term.
“The matter of retaining our Commissioner and having clarification in relation to matters raised by the No side last time out concerning neutrality, taxation, abortion, etc, which were never in fact in doubt, must be copperfastened and made clearer in good time for the next referendum,” said Mr Higgins.
He said the referendum commission must be given time to do its work in a clear and concise manner.
Mr Higgins also called for an examination of the rule which gives equal time to both sides in broadcast media, for example a group without any electoral mandate can enjoy equal time with democratically elected parties which may have the support of 80 per cent to 90 per cent of the people.
The MEP said there is a school of thought that this rule is being applied too rigourously and unnecessarily, and anyone without a mandate can come forward and get equal time.
“If there is a referendum on children’s rights and some people oppose it, would they get equal time?” asked Mr Higgins.
“This is a last chance saloon for us to emphasise that we are fully committed to Europe. Given our recent financial experience more and more people realise that were we not in Europe and the euro, we would now be in a far worse position, something akin to Iceland,” added Mr Higgins.
“Rejecting Lisbon is a luxury we cannot afford again, and there is anecdotal evidence that our last rejection has been detrimental to this country,” he said. “We must get it right this time, which means it should not be held in the maelstrom of local and EU elections where a most unpopular government may be on trial. A stand alone referendum, at the right time, whether in the autumn or somewhat sooner, but well thought out and planned for is required,” he concluded.
