Lisbon 2 – One Week to Go
This time next week will see Irish citizens go to the polls to vote on the Lisbon treaty. The latest poll in today’s Irish Times shows the Yes side on 48% and the No side on 33%. 19% are in the Don’t Know category.
I have been out knocking on doors over the last few weeks, mainly in the South East Inner City. I think the reaction is broadly positive. There are still many No voters, but there are certainly not as many as last time.
I find anger with the government is the main reason why people want to vote No, but it’s important to say ‘Hold your fire until the General Election. Ireland’s future is more important’.
I was also interviewed during the week for the debate on RTE’s Prime Time, which aired last night. You can watch it here.
I really think it’s important to vote Yes next Friday. Our country’s future depends on it. There are three principal reasons why I am advocating a Yes vote:
- To help restore international confidence in Ireland so that jobs and businesses can be secured here;
- To enable Europe to function more efficiently and democratically, to help get Europe and Ireland out of the economic crisis;
- To improve the rights of the individual in Europe – as citizens, workers and consumers.
This is far too important an issue to be left to chance. Everyone has a duty to make their voices heard and to use their vote. Voters who may still be confused by the conflicting messages coming from supporters and opponents of Lisbon should look at the material produced by the Referendum Commission. This is an independent organisation that gives an unbiased assessment of most of the key issues. I have no doubt that anyone who examines the Commission material will recognise that ratification of the Treaty will be a good step for Ireland.
