If we vote no, how will the EU punish us?

WE are warned by Seán Ó Neachtain MEP (Letters, May 26) that “the interests of Irish agriculture, rural communities and the Irish food sector in general will be very badly served indeed if there is a no vote against the Lisbon Treaty”.

This all sounds very ominous and scary. Could Mr Ó Neachtain be more specific? What revenge exactly has Europe in mind for our food sector if they don’t do what they are told and vote yes? Are there plans for a “don’t buy Irish” campaign? Will our Government be instructed by Europe to take the land from our farmers and hand it over to them?

He goes on to frighten us more by stating that “Ireland would simply lose political influence and political allies in Europe when dealing with issues of key concern to our farmers”.