Pfizer chief: No vote would hit US job creation

US INVESTMENT and job creation would be threatened in the event of a second rejection of the Lisbon Treaty, according to Pfizer head Dr Paul Duffy.

Dr Duffy, who is president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ireland, has called for a Yes vote, in the wake of a similar move by Intel chief Jim O’Hara.

Dr Duffy has suggested the uncertainty created by a No result and the likelihood of a “two-tier Europe” could have worrying consequences for investment.

“I’m not scare-mongering ... I have looked at, read and listened to both sides of this debate,” Dr Duffy stressed, before suggesting that a Yes vote was the best option for this country’s future.

A No vote would provide other countries with an edge to lure investment away, he argued.

“That threat could come from any quarter” and Ireland, in coping with the global economic downturn, could not afford the creation of such vulnerability.

Dr Duffy’s comments have been criticised by Libertas leader Declan Ganley, who said the head of Pfizer and other high-profile businessmen were trying to ensure their companies stayed “onside” with Europe.

“Mr whatever his name is, he is a businessman. You don’t rock the boat in business, you don’t challenge the government of the day, and if you need to take an opinion when your not over-burdened with the facts then you might believe what the Yes side said.

“Europe and the Government is leaning on business to come out in favour of a Yes vote. Tyranny is a big word, but that is heavy-handed. When you see them able to scare people like him or Michael O’Leary then we should be worried,” Mr Ganley said.

The comments come after more than 90% of business chiefs in US companies here said they believe jobs and investment will be lost if the Lisbon Treaty is rejected.

The study, by the American Chamber of Commerce, found 91% considered our membership of the EU was crucial for global parent companies making investment decisions.

“US companies have invested over €1.4bn in Ireland and employ over 300,000 people directly and indirectly. This survey shows clearly that people at the coalface of Irish business are overwhelmingly convinced of the critical importance of a Yes vote,” Dr Duffy said

Sinn Féin deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald said it was no surprise that the American Chamber of Commerce supported the Lisbon Treaty.

“They have taken that position because Lisbon will lead to greater liberalisation of public services, international trade and energy provision and downward pressure on wages,” she said.