Sutherland: Voting yes in nation’s interest
He joined leading figures from Fine Gael as the party launched a plea for voters to back the treaty in the interest of future generations. Mr Sutherland said Ireland was about to decide on further integrating with Europe, which had been a core policy for 40 years.
“The whole debate here on the Treaty of Lisbon, has, to date, been uninspiring and intensely negative. It has also been bedevilled by inaccuracy and cynicism. The Irish people deserve better.”
Individually, European Union nations were too small economically, politically and geographically to face international challenges ahead, like climate change, tackling food prices and the fight against crime.
Speaking at the National College of Ireland in Dublin city centre, Mr Sutherland was highly critical of those opposing the treaty.
The reasoning of the no campaigners was “palpably false”, he alleged. The treaty would not remove Ireland’s “absolute right” to stop EU laws affecting rules governing Irish corporation tax or even direct taxation. It was even more absurd to suggest a no vote would interfere with inward investment in Ireland as well as our own neutrality. It would be a decision that would be totally “irrational and contrary to our interests as a country”.
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny warned that Taoiseach Brian Cowen needed to get his newly promoted cabinet out on the streets campaigning for a yes vote.
Farmers were confused the treaty would affect their sector under the Common Agriculture Policy.
Our economy was best served staying at the heart of Europe, Mr Kenny argued.
Former party leader Garret FitzGerald said the removal of certain vetoes at EU level under the treaty would prevent their future abuse and protect our interest.
The Labour Party are set to launch their yes campaign tomorrow.
