FF threatening to force referendum on EU treaty

Fianna Fáil has threatened to invoke Article 21 of the Constitution whereby Oireachtas members can petition the President to hold a referendum — if the Government fails to call a referendum on the newfiscal compact treaty.

The attorney general is due to examine the treaty to see if it should be put to the people when it is finalised by EU leaders next week.

Last week, the Fiscal Advisory Council, set up to advise the Government on financial issues, said the new fiscal rules should be put into legislation rather than the Constitution.