McCreevy: Treaty rejection would put us ‘in the cold’

IRELAND would find itself out in the cold — being bypassed by the other European Union countries — if voters reject the new treaty in next year’s referendum, Charlie McCreevy has warned.

The EU Internal Market Commissioner said he would prefer to see the EU concentrate on existing areas like the Common Market rather than pushing ahead in new areas.

The treaty embraces the areas where the union can act, especially in security and fighting crime. It also brings into force the Charter of Fundamental Rights that covers the complete spectrum of people’s lives.

He urged Irish people to be sensible in the referendum. “We have benefited from our membership of the EU and utilised the funds very effectively to build our economy.”

Asked what would happen if there were a no vote, Mr McCreevy said: “We would be out — we would not be in. It is not going to be possible to renegotiate the treaty. If we do not ratify, we will have to stick with where we are.”

The former finance minister said he could not see how the other 26 countries, having all ratified the treaty, would wear Ireland voting no. He expected they would want to go ahead without Ireland.

The most important element in getting a yes vote, he said, was to have as big a turnout as possible based on past referenda.

But the commissioner believed the electorate would vote in favour of the new treaty.

“Unless they engage in a bout of collective madness, I cannot see the Irish people voting no.”