EU boss urges Irish ‘yes’ for treaty

IRISH people were urged to show their commitment to Europe by voting in favour of the Reform Treaty by the European Commission president, as leaders from all 27 EU countries formally signed the document in Lisbon.

Ireland is almost certain to be the only country holding a referendum on the treaty that has taken more than six years to finalise and which varies only slightly from the constitution rejected by the French and Dutch.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern will sign the treaty in Lisbon today and the Government is launching a website with information about the treaty and its contents. All countries have a year to ratify the document that makes substantial changes to the way the union is managed.

Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso praised the contribution Ireland has made to the EU during its 34 years of membership, and added that the country had benefited very much from the union too.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner he said: “Let’s hope Ireland will show its commitment to Europe and not be influenced by Euro-sceptic British media. Ireland is a country that has benefited a lot from the EU and also given a lot to Europe and let’s hope they will show their European commitment by ratifying the treaty.”

In the new treaty Ireland followed the British lead and opted out of justice and security areas although adding a commitment to opt-in as often as possible and to review the situation within three years of 2009.