Bruton urges voters to focus on future of investment and jobs

FORMER Fine Gael leader John Bruton yesterday urged people to focus on their families’ interests and the future of investment in the country when they consider how to vote on the Nice Treaty.

He also echoed calls for voters not to reject the Treaty in a bid to vent their anger at the Government’s cutbacks and the Flood Tribunal revelations.

Speaking in Limerick, Mr Bruton said a Yes vote was essential for Ireland’s standing and influence in the EU. In voting on the Treaty issue, people will be voting for themselves and their family interests, and for securing peace and jobs for young people, he said.

“I understand people are angry with the Government, but they will be provided with ample opportunity to inflict the necessary punishment on the Government in the next local and European Elections,” he said.

Mr Bruton warned of serious repercussions if the Nice Treaty was rejected a second time. “A lot of firms considering making announcements about investment here in the next five to 10 years would look at a No vote very seriously. Such a vote would reduce the influence that Ireland’s political leaders and business organisations would have in Europe in the future,” he said.

“Reduction in that influence would make the investment climate less favourable and the effect would be substantial rather than immediate.’