No to Nice would undermine Ireland’s position in EU, McCreevy warns

FINANCE MINISTER Charlie McCreevy got down to brass tacks yesterday in advocating a Yes vote for the Nice Treaty.

As the Government steps up its campaign to get the forthcoming referendum passed, Mr McCreevy said Ireland had received a net 34 billion euro from EU membership since joining in 1973.

"These receipts have played a pivotal role in supporting out agricultural sector and therefore the rural economy, and in laying the foundations for our successful modern economy, especially through skilling our labour force and enhancing our infrastructure," he said.