‘Surprised’ Libertas calls vote courageous

ANTI-LISBON group Libertas praised the “wisdom and courage” of Irish people yesterday for voting no, but insisted Taoiseach Brian Cowen now had a mandate to get a better deal for Ireland in Europe.

The no campaign group’s leader Declan Ganley said the no vote had sent out a clear message to Brussels. It was now up to the Government to put Ireland’s interests forward inside the EU, he argued.

Mr Ganley said Libertas had been taken aback at the rejection of the treaty.

“We were pleasantly surprised,” he said, “but it does reflect what we were seeing on the ground.”

The Galway-based, multi-millionaire businessman agreed it was clear the electorate’s overall decision reflected a certain disillusionment with politics in Ireland.

The core issue of Ireland losing a commissioner in Europe had hit home with voters, he added.

Asked what needed to be introduced into the treaty, he said more democracy and transparency: “Brian Cowen now has a mandate to go back to Brussels and get us a better deal. This resounding message is being sent to Europe that we need democracy at the heart of Europe.”

Mr Ganley said he and his organisation were not ruling out becoming involved in Irish politics, possibly over the coming year.

“I have been overwhelmed by people on the ground, volunteers, those that helped, ” he said. “It was not something I suspected. Does this bring with it a duty to do something more? I think that depends on what happens next. Can Brian Cowen go and will our Government and get a better deal for us?”

Mr Ganley would not rule out putting his organisation forward in next year’s European elections.

Libertas said they were open to discussions with the Taoiseach, if he so wished, ahead of the Government addressing Europe about Ireland’s no vote.

Libertas would eventually be revealing its funding, in line with rules from the Standards in Public Office, he added.