Retaining the veto is crucial for farmers

FARMERS have been urged by Liam Alyward MEP to support the Lisbon Treaty (May 6).

However, he fails to mention that the treaty contains measures that are extremely dangerous for farmers and rural communities.

In addition to giving the European Commission exclusive competence over international trade, Article 188 of theLisbon Treaty removes our veto on the final outcome of trade deals negotiated by the European Commission.

If the Lisbon Treaty is ratified, it means the Government will not be able to block future rounds of WTO talks that are not in our interests.

Both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are arguing that if the current round of WTO talks are bad for Ireland, the veto should be used to block the deal. However, they are also calling on us to support a treaty that will give that very same veto away. It does not make sense.

Mr Aylward says he is working hard to ensure the concerns of Irish farmers are fully addressed in the context of the WTO talks.

I suggest the best way to protect Irish farming and rural communities is to keep the veto by rejecting the treaty.

Brian Keane

16 Limewood Ave

Raheny

Dublin 5