Referendum about Ireland’s future in Europe, not FF’s future in Government
Issued : Wednesday 30 September, 2009
Statement by Eamon Gilmore TD
Party Leader
The referendum on Friday is about Ireland’s future in Europe, not about Fianna Fail’s future in government.
If we are serious about jobs, investment and economic recovery, we must vote yes.
This referendum will mark a crossroads in our relationship with the European Union, and, consequently in our prospects for economic recovery.
A Yes vote is a clear signal that Ireland intends to move ahead, as fully committed members of the European Union. It is vital that we send the message that Ireland is open to Europe, and open for business, to the international investors who create so many jobs here.
93 per cent of CEOs of US multinationals operating here believe jobs and investment will be lost if Ireland rejects the Lisbon Treaty. That is not a risk we can take. It is not just access to a European market of almost 500 million people that attracts foreign investment here – it’s the influence wielded by Ireland in the EU when decisions on trade or regulations or energy policy are being made. A Yes vote means that we can continue to use that influence.
It is unequivocally in our own interests to be part of a reformed, more efficient European Union – a European Union that is working together to resolve the international financial crisis, as evidenced by the €350 million the European Investment Bank has transferred to Irish banks in the past year to try to get credit moving again.
These are some of the reasons – unhindered access to a huge market where we help make the rules; international confidence in Ireland’s economic future; and the strength in numbers that the EU provides – that make the Lisbon Treaty is so important for jobs, and for our economic recovery.
The fact is, this is a good treaty – one which will enable the European Union to better deal with the enormous challenges facing us, such as the global financial crash, climate change, and the pressure placed on industry and farming from other low-cost, low-wage parts of the globe, while also protecting the rights and the needs of its citizens. We cannot afford to throw this opportunity away.
I understand that people are extremely angry at the reckless and irresponsible decisions taken by the Fianna Fail-led Government, which has plunged our country into such a deep economic crisis. And I know that there is deep frustration out there that the same Fianna Fáil ministers that got us into this mess, are the ones who are failing to get us out.
But this is not a referendum on the Fianna Fáil-Green Government. To those voters who are tempted to use their vote on Friday to give the Government a kicking, I say: save that vote for a general election. This isn’t about Brian Cowen’s job – its about your job, the livelihoods of your family and your neighbours, the and opportunities available to our young people.
A Yes vote means we move ahead, and get down to the job of fixing our economy – with Europe’s strength behind us. Each of us has a responsibility to do what is best for our country; this is too important a vote to leave to others. I would urge anyone who wants Ireland to stay at the heart of Europe, and to move on to fixing the urgent problems we are facing here at home, to join us, and make their voices heard for a Yes vote in the coming referendum.
