Let’s have a debate on the real issues

THE debate on the Lisbon treaty is rapidly descending into a complete farce. Pro-treaty advocates appear intent on making a virtue of hoisting a ‘for sale’ sign over our national sovereignty, unashamedly highlighting what they consider to be the incredibly generous price we are being offered for selling our national soul.

On the anti-treaty side, it is regrettable the arena appears to be dominated by one small party cynically looking for a new raison d’être, as it were, a fresh suit to replace their now tattered attire of 30 years.

Yes, the EU has been a major triumph, succeeding in a way far beyond its founders’ wildest dreams. But we must not forget the glue that holds it together is money.