Chamber urges Lisbon yes vote to aid recovery
Calling for a yes to Lisbon, Cork Chamber said support for the treaty was vital to the 1,000 businesses and the 82,000 jobs it represents in the region.
At the launch of the chamber’s campaign president Ger O’Mahoney said: “A yes vote in the upcoming referendum on October 2 is critical for the successful growth of the Cork region.
“I encourage all employers and employees to show strong leadership and vote yes to reinforce our influence and position within Europe.”
If carried, a yes vote would help to increase jobs and drive economic growth. It should be understood that businesses are heavily dependant on access to European markets for their continuing success, he said.
Investment by many overseas companies, who use Cork as a base due to its strategic links with Europe, are also a vital component in the region’s prosperity, he said. They also make a significant contribution to the strength of the local economy and employ thousands of people in Cork, Mr O’Mahony said.
For those reasons it was necessary to send a very clear message toEurope “that we as a city-region are fully engaged and open for business”, he said. Cork’s competitiveness depends on Ireland maintaining a strong position in the EU and “we believe that by voting yes to Lisbon, we will be voting yes for Jobs and yes for recovery in Cork”, he said.
The campaign’s objective is to increase awareness of what Lisbon means and to highlight the importance of a successful outcome to the referendum for the economy and jobs, Mr O’Mahoney said.
