SF: Poll signals need to get out real meaning of Lisbon Treaty

Sinn Féin MEP Mary Lou McDonald has said a TNS/MRBI poll on the Lisbon Treaty emphasised the need to get across to voters what the proposals in the treaty would actually mean.

The poll indicated two to one support for a yes vote in next month’s referendum.

Thirty five per cent of voters support ratification of the EU reform proposals with 18% intending to vote no, according to the survey conducted .

However the research indicated that 47% of the Irish electorate are still undecided ahead of the June 12 referendum.

A similar survey in January noted that 64% of people had not decided what way they were going to vote, with 26% intended to tick yes and 10% no.

“It is apparent that many people who support the treaty are doing so because they are in favour of Europe,” she said.

“The reality is that you can be for Europe and against Lisbon. People should not be misled by Government propaganda. Ireland’s position within Europe is secure and uncontested.

“This debate is about the contents and implications of the Lisbon Treaty. The people are being asked to make a huge decision; they should not be being fooled into making this decision on Ireland’s role in Europe.

“People must be given the full facts, and the Yes campaign must engage in the debate based on these facts.

“Time is tight, but with a little under four weeks to go we can still have the substantive debate on the key issues.

“I challenge the Irish Government to explain to me why it is good for Ireland to lose a Commissioner for five out of every 15 years.

“What’s good about giving up a veto on trade agreements? What’s good about opening up our education and health services to privatisation? What’s good about giving increased amounts of taxpayers’ money to boost EU military capabilities? What’s good about undermining workers’ rights? What’s good about doing nothing to fundamentally address climate change? What’s good about eroding our democracy?

“On June 12th these are the issues we will be asked to vote on. Sinn Féin is not afraid to have the debate. We trust the people, we trust democracy and we have confidence in our analysis of the Lisbon Treaty.”