SF: Treaty information is being suppressed

THE European Commission and Irish Government are withholding information from the Irish people to “smooth the passage” of the Lisbon Treaty, according to no campaigner, Sinn Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald.

The MEP for Dublin has criticised what she described as “threatening” language by the EU Commission President José Manuel Barroso, who said on Monday night that the EU and Ireland will “pay a price” if the treaty is not ratified on June 12.

Mr Barroso said there is “no plan B” if the referendum is not carried by the Irish people and “it would have a very negative effect for the EU”.