Smith calls on Yes from farmers

FARMERS know where their own interests lie and are not likely to be taken in by small unrepresentative groups who distort issues to call for a No vote in the Lisbon treaty referendum.

That’s what Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Minister Brendan Smith said when he responded to comments made by the “Farmers for No to Lisbon Group,” which launched its campaign in Dublin.

Mr Smith urged farmers to vote in favour of the Lisbon treaty in order to defend the interest of Irish agriculture in Europe.

“Irish farmers have gained significantly from Ireland’s participation in the EU and by the same token they have much to lose if we were to isolate ourselves on referendum day,” he said.

Mr Smith rejected claims by opponents of Lisbon that Ireland’s voting strength in the Council of Ministers would be reduced by the treaty as entirely erroneous and misleading.

Fine Gael’s Michael Creed, TD, said attempts being made by a small minority of disenfranchised farmers to muddy the waters of the Lisbon debate are unwelcome at this juncture for Irish agriculture.

“Farmers must be clear on the merits of a Yes vote in next October’s referendum,” he said.

Meanwhile, an IFA spokesman said its executive council unanimously endorsed a Yes vote on July 21. It was campaigning for a Yes vote and encouraging all farm families to vote Yes.

“Farmers are aware that Ireland needs to stay at the heart of Europe and win over friends and allies in order to influence important decisions.”