Ahern: Ireland now 'at heart of Europe'
European leaders were breathing a sigh of relief today after the referendum decision to back the expansion of the European Union removed one of the biggest hurdles they faced.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern yesterday declared the decision to approve the Nice Treaty for EU expansion proved Ireland was still “at the heart of Europe”.
He also hailed the 63% vote in favour of Nice – reversing an earlier poll’s embarrassing shock decision to turn down the concept – as extremely important.
“It shows we remain strongly committed to the European Union – that we fully recognise that what is good for the people of Europe is good for the people of Ireland.”
Mr Ahern formally commented on the outcome of the plebiscite at Dublin Castle.
The details, confirmed last night by count officials in Dublin, were: Yes - 906,318 votes (62.89%); No – 534,887 (37.11%).
There was a total valid poll of 1,441,204, representing a turnout of 48.45%.
The figures followed the day-long counting of votes cast manually in 35 of Ireland’s 42 parliamentary constituencies,
The development is expected to put on course the plans of 10 applicant states - most of them formerly behind the Iron Curtain – to be in the EU by 2004.
A clearly delighted Mr Ahern said: “This decision shows above all that, as a nation, we want to welcome the people of the applicant countries into the Union with open hearts as well as open minds.
“It ensures that Ireland remains at the heart of Europe, where we belong, where we can continue to make a valuable contribution – and where we can ensure our interests continue to be protected.
“Today is an historic day in our relationship with our sister states in Europe. It is now time to move on. Now that the last obstacle to ratification of the Treaty of Nice has been removed, the EU can move to address the challenges and opportunities that we in Europe will all face together.
“And we can work to welcome our new partners in 2004 – during Ireland’s Presidency of the EU.”
Mr Ahern said that after last year’s referendum result, his government had taken on board the serious concerns expressed by the people about the protection of Ireland’s military neutrality, and further protection for that had now been placed in the written constitution.
He added: “This country has come through a very hard-fought campaign, where strong feelings have been expressed on all sides.
“I have made it clear that it was absolutely critical that the people give the green light to enlargement. I am happy that their decision was not decisive.”
And Mr Ahern pledged: “I will continue to look at ways to ensure that the Irish people are better informed about the Union.”
Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams, who had campaigned hard against ratifying the Nice Treaty, claimed the 'Yes' camp had played on voters’ emotions.
“They focussed very much on the generous nature of people here,” he said. “The established parties in the 'Yes' camp concentrated on the plight of the applicant states.”
Mr Adams accepted the outcome of the referendum, but he warned: “All of these issues are going to come back and haunt us.”
