Roche tells France to stop interfering with Lisbon referendum

THE French government was told to keep out of Irish politics and to stop interfering with the Lisbon referendum by Europe Minister Dick Roche and Labour leader Eamon Gilmore.

“They threw their own referendum, but we do not want any further inappropriate interference in our referendum,” declared Mr Roche.

This follows a statement from the French Economics Minister, Christine Lagarde, that France would push for a common system of assessing company tax (common consolidated corporate tax base or CCCTB) across the EU during their EU presidency which begins in July.

Mr Roche said her intervention was inappropriate, especially coming just 10 days after the French Defence Minister’s statements on military policy.

The Irish Government has conveyed its concern to the French Government and Mr Roche said whatever their ambitions to have a CCCTB, the Irish will veto it.

The European Commission is not expected to publish its proposal on the CCCTB until October, which is half way through the French EU presidency.

“We are not alone in our opposition. Other countries are similarly allergic to it. There is no way there could be a unanimous vote by member states in favour — which is what it would need to get through. And I believe when business sees the proposal they will be opposed to it also”, said Mr Roche, in Brussels to meet business interests on the Irish referendum’s progress.

Mr Gilmore, in Brussels to meet Commission and European Parliament leaders, described Ms Lagarde’s remarks as arrogant and patronising, and said the Government should make a formal protest to the French in blunt rather than diplomatic language.

The Labour party leader, calling for a yes vote, said the most dangerous opposition came from the Libertas group, led by multi-millionaire businessman Declan Ganley, who has refused to answer questions at the Forum or the Dáil European Affairs Committee.

“They are saying that the Treaty will make it possible for the EU to negotiate more than now — and they are correct. They will be able to act to protect the consumers’ rights, the environment and workers’ rights,” said Mr Gilmore.