Rivada Networks 'not funding Libertas 'no' campaign'

The chairman of Libertas has denied that his company is funding the organisation's campaign for a 'no' vote in the Lisbon Treaty referendum.

Declan Ganley is chief executive of Rivada Networks and reports this morning say four more of the founders of Libertas also work for the company.

However, speaking in Dublin today, Mr Ganley said Rivada was not funding the Libertas campaign.

He said the money raised by the organisation has all come from within Ireland and Libertas was fully complying with the law on political donations.

Mr Ganley also said reports about Rivada's business connections with the US military are a tactic designed to detract from what Libertas is saying about the Lisbon Treaty.

In a statement issued later, Mr Ganley said: "I confirm, in response to Deputy Joe Costello and for anyone else who is still curious on this matter, that I am tax resident in Ireland.

"I am not the story in this referendum. The story is the Lisbon Treaty.

"It is clear that the parties seeking a 'Yes' vote on the Lisbon Treaty are feeling the impact of the campaign being run by Libertas. They have refused to answer the question of the disappearing veto for international agreements.

"The EU Direct Contact Centre in Brussels has confirmed to us that there will be no veto in relation to international trade agreements, such as that being negotiated by Peter Mandelson at the WTO, if Lisbon is passed.

"The Government must address this question immediately. If our farmers are being hung out to dry, it is crucial that they know they will have no say.

"I have absolute confidence that the Irish people will know what to do on June 12."