Europe is looking to us to drive the project forward

THERE is an extraordinary level of interest in Europe in the Lisbon treaty referendum here.

Every day in the European Parliament or at meetings in the European Commission or the European Council, the first question people ask is how is the referendum debate going in Ireland.

That is because it has taken EU governments more or less seven years to get to the stage whereby the EU can reform how it carries out its affairs.

EU businesses make regular queries asking how the referendum is going in Ireland.

The fact that there is a tremendous amount of support in Europe for this treaty is not the reason why Irish people should vote for it.

But it is worth making the point that the eyes of Europe are looking at our referendum very carefully. They want the referendum ship to dock so that Europe can up its game.

Irish people should vote yes for this treaty because it will help the mainland European and Irish economies and this will help job creation.

Europe can also meet new challenges internationally, including combating illegal drug importations.

Can anyone really argue that 27 European countries should not work together in combating cocaine importations from South America? All 27 countries must co-operate more effectively to defeat the drug barons.

The treaty does not change Ireland’s neutral status in any way.

The EU cannot set our tax rates. It does not decide our citizenship laws nor does it run our frontline social, education and health services.

The EU only has the powers the treaties give it.

Ireland’s key national concerns are protected under the Lisbon terms.

We must always be in a position to deal with issues of national concern in Europe from a strong position, such as the forthcoming review of the common agricultural policy.

Supporting this treaty is a vote of confidence in Europe and the need for the EU to reform and move forward so that it can tackle new problems.

Sean Ó Neachtain MEP

An Spideál

Co na Gaillmhe