Let’s enhance our power in Europe

A RECENT opinion poll suggested that 24% of those who intend to vote no to Lisbon are doing so because they wish to keep Ireland’s power and identity intact. I am voting yes because I wish to retain Ireland’s identity in an enlarged EU and because I want to enhance Ireland’s power in the EU.

The treaty balances the protection of our own national interests while enabling us to co-operate with other member states to give the EU a coherent voice in global affairs.

The Lisbon Reform Treaty is designed to ensure that each member state will retain its identity. The EU will only be allowed to speak with one voice on matters relating to foreign and security policy on the basis of unanimity.