We should not defer treaty

I am writing in response to your editorial of April 27th 2012 ‘EU Referendum – new date is best chance of success’ which raises the question of deferring the date of the Stability Treaty Referendum.

Francois Hollande’s comments on the Stability Treaty suggest that like Ireland, he has a desire to ensure that Europe has a strong growth agenda. What is also apparent is that he is fundamentally in agreement with the core principle of stricter budgeting and, if elected, he is open-minded as to how to reinforce the growth agenda.

France is currently in the middle of an election campaign. It is not possible to predict what the outcome will be, or any action that will be taken post election.

What is clear is that 25 EU member states have formally negotiated this treaty and all 25 have taken steps in their ratification process. I do not believe the Irish people should wait to seek the view of any other member state on this treaty. The Irish people are being asked to decide for themselves whether they would like Ireland to sign up to this treaty.

Passing this treaty will do two things. Firstly, it will ensure a common set of rules across 25 countries to ensure that we never allow the reckless spending of public money or economic mismanagement again. Secondly, the treaty will allow Ireland to access rescue funds at low interest rates if needed in the future.

This financial certainty will act as an insurance policy for our economic future and will reassure companies that Ireland is a secure, stable and innovative place to invest and do business.

This treaty won’t solve all of Ireland’s problems but it is an important step forward towards recovery.

Simon Coveney TD,

Fine Gael Director of Elections,

Department of Agriculture, Food & Marine,

Kildare Street,

Dublin 2