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”.

Could he explain how all of that might happen. We have been told repeatedly that if Lisbon is rejected, there is no Plan B and that the EU will just continue under all the existing agreements.

We will simply “remain at the heart of Europe”, to quote an overused, meaningless phrase.

Unless, of course, Mr Ó Neachtain knows otherwise. Why doesn’t he just give us the full story? As voters, we are over 18 and adult enough to take the bad news.

What exactly is written between the lines of this complex treaty? What punishments and penalties against the Irish have already been agreed if we exercise our right to reject the treaty? Stop the veiled threats and hints and tell us precisely what secret arrangements have been put in place to get us back for voting no.

John Mallon

Shamrock Grove

Mayfield

Cork