Give us more facts and less propaganda

WHY should we be brainwashed by all kinds of people and organisations as to how we should vote in the Lisbon Treaty? It is our democratic right to decide, after being properly informed.

Unfortunately, the full information is not there and a large majority of the public haven't a clue on what the proposed 356 (approx) amendments entail — never mind interpreting their significance.

Neither would they know the power of veto is being removed in more than 60 new policy areas.

Because of the Supreme Court ruling in the 1986 Crotty case, sovereignty in this State rests with the Irish people.

We are very lucky, for that reason, to be the only EU member allowed a referendum through which we can retain that sovereignty, or surrender it as the case might be. The purpose of the referendum would be to change the Irish constitution so as to make EU law superior to Irish law in the areas set out in the Lisbon Treaty.

The union has been kind to us in many ways and not so kind in others. Our decision needs to be a wise one — it will be anticipated, enviously and eagerly, by many other EU member states.

The issue is not whether one is pro or anti-Europe — it’s whether one is pro or anti the challenge to build a modern democratic Europe for a modern and democratic Ireland that would be cherished by all our people.

James A Gleeson

Turtulla

Thurles

Co Tipperary