Martin hits out at anti-Lisbon groups

The Minister for Foreign Affairs is accusing several anti-Lisbon groups of running cynical campaigns to distort debate on the Lisbon Treaty.

In a speech to the Ógra Fianna Fáil conference in Cork, Micheál Martin charged the Coir campaign group of being shadowy and extreme and a 'front' for the anti-abortion group Youth Defence.

The Minister said all groups campaigning in the Lisbon Treaty must be open about their role and organisation.

Minister Martin said Coir should honest with voters in their campaigning.

“One thing the Irish people deserve above all in this campaign is an honest debate focused on the real issues.

“There should be no place for groups cynically trying to hide their role - but this is exactly what is happening already with Youth Defence, who have once again activated their front group Coir for the campaign,” he said.