Taoiseach throws down gauntlet to No campaign

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern yesterday urged No To Nice campaigners to explain how rejecting the EU treaty would benefit Ireland economically.

Mr Ahern’s comments came as fresh controversy arose over comments by President Mary McAleese in relation to the Treaty. This followed a similar row over comments by IDA chief executive Sean Dorgan that some of Ireland's 5bn overseas investment was at risk if voters reject Nice again in a new referendum in October.

The Taoiseach strongly defended the IDA boss’s right to comment on the issue. Mr Ahern supported his assertion that another No vote would signal to investors that Ireland was not committed to European enlargement and further integration: “Rather than engaging with the substance of Mr Dorgan’s contribution, the No side have attempted to silence him.”