New plebiscite would only increase voter cynicism

BEFORE we go down the road of even considering Lisbon II, a few important steps need to be taken.

1. Each major fear raised in the Lisbon Treaty debate must be addressed (eg, the effect on corporation tax, on the erosion of autonomy through the imposition of further EU directives, an EU army, abortion, etc).

2. One of the main reasons Lisbon failed was because it wasn’t communicated effectively, so all major issues should be clarified through a visually effective and clear TV campaign.

3. There needs to be an exploration of legal ways to achieve agreement with our EU partners without a second referendum, if possible — a second plebiscite increases voter cynicism.

4. The view that “we have gone far enough with the EU project” needs to be taken seriously.

Senator Fidelma Healy Eames

Oranmore

Co Galway