Position of Greens on reform treaty is uncertain

THE three opposition parties yesterday nailed their colours to the mast on the EU reform treaty, ahead of today’s signing of the Lisbon Reform Treaty by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.

Both Fine Gael and Labour came out strongly supporting the treaty while Sinn Féin urged a “no” vote in the referendum in 2008.

It means that the only party whose position on the treaty is uncertain is the junior coalition partner, the Greens. The party is convening a special convention to debate the matter on January 19.

Launching new Alliance for Europe to campaign for a yes vote in the referendum, Labour’s Ruairí Quinn said: “Next year’s referendum offers the people of Ireland an important opportunity to endorse the European project which for decades has facilitated the emergence of a modern, prosperous and confident Ireland. Ireland has an important role to play in the future development of the European Union.”

Meanwhile, Fine Gael’s European affairs spokesperson Lucinda Creighton said voters should hold their fire on FF in the national interest and vote for the treaty.

“We understand that Irish people are hugely dissatisfied with this government and could express their anger by voting against. We are asking them to hold fire.”

Dublin MEP Mary Lou McDonald said Sinn Féin would be the only significant party campaigning against the treaty referendum. “We believe the majority of the Irish people share our concerns about the direction of the EU and the power of the larger member states,” she said.