Finance Minister says yes vote will aid EU role in conflict prevention

FINANCE Minister Brian Lenihan has urged a yes vote on the Lisbon treaty as a way to strengthen the European Union’s role in conflict prevention.

Speaking at the National Day of Commemoration for Irish men and women who died in wars or in service with the United Nations, Mr Lenihan drew parallels between those remembered at the ceremony and the opportunities offered by the October referendum.

“In particular, our work together within the European Union to prevent conflict, and to mitigate its effects, stands to benefit greatly if the Lisbon treaty enters into force,” he said.

“For countless families in Ireland, the cost of conflict in Europe is written on the headstones of the war graves of the men and women we commemorate today.

“Less visibly, but more meaningfully, it is engraved in the hearts of the widows and children, the mothers and fathers, they left behind.

“The Irish have always been a people profoundly committed to the values of freedom, democracy, equality and the rule of law, all values espoused by the European Union.

“As we honour those who gave their all in the service of those noble goals, we rededicate their memory to the work of building a Europe free, prosperous and at peace,” he said.

Mr Lenihan was addressing a gathering at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin, which included President Mary McAleese, Taoiseach Brian Cowen, government ministers, foreign ambassadors, members of the defence forces past and present, and relatives of the dead.

Representatives of all the main churches were also present and participated in a multi-faith service of prayer. Cantor Alwyn Shulman of the Jewish Community recalled the sacrifice made by those who had died. “We are truly fortunate to live in a land where we enjoy freedom, prosperity and peace,” he said.

Catholic Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin called for prayers for those around the world who were not so lucky and struggled to live lives mired by injustice and division.

Defence force bands and a choir from the Dublin parish of Whitehall provided the music for the open air ceremony, which was in its 23rd year, and Ms McAleese laid a wreath on behalf of the Irish people.

Mr Lenihan used the occasion to express his appreciation for the efforts of the Sudanese authorities in trying to secure the release of kidnapped Irish aid worker, Sharon Commins, and her Ugandan colleague, Hilda Kawuki, who were taken from the Goal compound in the Darfur region of the country almost a fortnight ago.