Funding issue is not confined to Ganley

EVERY other day it seems there is a columnist, TV pundit or minister demanding to know where Declan Ganley got the money to fund the Libertas campaign for a no vote on the Lisbon Treaty.

But where did the yes campaign get its money? Perhaps the “illuminati” in Brussels contributed? That’s no more implausible than claims the CIA gave cash to Mr Ganley.

I understand he is a wealthy businessman. He could have stuck his hand in his pocket for at least some of it. This seems fairer than the Government sticking its hand in our pockets to promote its view over our heads.

Then there’s the supposed issue of contracts with the US military. My reading of the Lisbon Treaty is that it called for a big development of Europe’s military defence/war capabilities which Mr Ganley could surely have exploited in like manner. I would then expect him to promote rather than oppose such a treaty.

Wherever he got the money, I am happy there was someone – anyone – able to challenge the steamroller being used to bully us into signing this lengthy and complex document. Yes, we want to be at the heart of Europe – but one we can trust. It hardly seems the case when leaders across Europe don’t even trust their own electorates to be obedient and so deny them a vote on one of the most significant issues to face them in years.

Nick Folley

Ardcarrig

Carrigaline

Co Cork