Cushnahan criticises Government handling of Nice Treaty

The cabinet is meeting to finalise the text of the Nice Treaty, which voters will examine in the autumn referendum.

It is thought ballot papers will contain a reference to persevering Ireland’s military neutrality. The treaty bill will be published in the next few days, kick-starting an intensive campaign to try to secure ratification for the second time in a row.

The Pro-Treaty Fine Gael MEP, John Cushnahan, is already criticising the Government’s handling of the issue.

"The Government got a declaration that the treaty is not about neutrality. We should not introduce it in this way and give the impression that the two are linked. It is an issue that needs serious consideration but a separate debate. To link the two would create serious misunderstandings about the treaty of Nice and could well result in another No Vote."