A Yes vote to Nice Treaty supported by IFA and ICMSA
IFA deputy president Ruaidhri Deasy told the Forum on Europe in Ennis, Co Clare, it was doing so because it is important the EU continues to function effectively as new member states join.
He said a second No vote by the Irish people would cause a constitutional crisis in the EU, and Ireland would lose goodwill and influence built up over the past 30 years.
With important decisions affecting farm incomes being taken in Europe under the Fischler CAP reform proposals currently under negotiation, it is essential Ireland has maximum influences in the EU decision making process.
Mr Deasy said he was conscious that with farm incomes down by 15-20% this year, and with great uncertainty about the future, morale amongst Irish farmers is at a low ebb.
“Nevertheless, I am appealing to farmers and their families to judge the Nice Treaty on its own merits.
“I urge farmers not to vote No or abstain for reasons that have nothing to do with the Nice Treaty itself. Farmers and agriculture have more to lose from a No vote than any other sector in Ireland,” he said.
ICMSA president Pat O’Rourke said a No vote will achieve nothing for the agriculture and food sector, but would result in considerable erosion of Ireland's influence in Brussels. Minister of State Tom Parlon said it is vital not to confuse a vote for the Nice Treaty with the mid-term review of the Common Agriculture Policy. Minister Parlon said a No to Nice would undermine the central position Ireland has held in the EU up to now and dilute Irish influence in key future negotiations for funding. “A Yes vote will keep our feet firmly under the table ready to continue to punch above our weight for decades to come.”
