EU referendum called - We reach a decisive moment

Now that a decision has been made to hold a vote on the revised European Union fiscal treaty all who wish to see it ratified by Ireland must work to ensure that everyone entitled to vote in the referendum understands — completely — the consequences of their vote and what their decision means for us and for our children.

Those who would oppose it, rather than just reject it because they are justifiably angry about so many of the ugly, inequitable consequences of losing economic independence, must present a viable, alternative way of financing this bankrupt state. That must be the litmus test of any proposal other than ratification.

This is a dilemma of absolutes — we’re either in or out no matter how unpalatable that limiting reality might be. It is hard to imagine that our European colleagues, so besieged by so many fronts, might demur and make special arrangements for a small member state so utterly dependent on EU financing no matter how draconian the terms attached to those loans.

Speaking in the Dáil yesterday afternoon, where he made the announcement, Taoiseach Enda Kenny pointed out that the treaty had already been approved by 25 of the EU’s 27 member states and that he intended to sign the treaty this weekend in Brussels.

The deal — characterised as the Austerity Treaty by left-wing opponents — was finalised and agreed at a EU summit earlier this month.

It proposes tough budgetary limits on eurozone members, including near-zero public deficits. Business voices have already complained, saying the treaty does not go far enough and that it will do little enough to restore Ireland’s credit worthiness or help us return to the bond markets.

Even though this decision, had he a choice, is not the one Taoiseach Enda Kenny might have reached, it is far better that it was delivered by Government after careful consideration rather than have it imposed after an inevitable and drawn-out court action.

The decision also confounds a statement made by Germany’s Minister for European Affairs Michael Link, to the effect that EU negotiators sought to design the compact in a way that would avoid a referendum in Ireland.

Even if such machinations are realpolitik in action, yesterday’s announcement will strengthen Irish and European democracy.

The result of the referendum will, to a considerable degree, separate what is possible from what might be for Ireland in the coming years.

This is a pivotal, decisive moment and the focus must be on the specific issue of the treaty, not the myriad and disheartening consequences of economic collapse.