Yes it can — our positive Lisbon result can restore hope to the nation

The overriding truth of this entire campaign was the upside of voting Yes was relatively modest to the disastrous impact of a No vote. The prospects of investor confidence collapsing would have incurred lasting long-term damage. There was no Plan C in the event of failure

PRIOR to the Lisbon referendum vote, the event was billed as a defining moment in the country’s development. This remains true. Often when things are at their worst, it brings out the best in people.

Last week was a turning point in coping with our overwhelming problems. The 20% swing in public opinion, relative to the previous outcome, represents a seismic shift. We need to benchmark what has changed and why. The Yes result can restore hope to the nation. Our position in Europe is one of the “fundamentals” of our economy. We have sent out positive messages to the rest of the EU and internationally. We cannot live off the consumption of our own 4 million people. Our prosperity rests on selling goods and services abroad competitively. Our mature decision to cut through the fog of waffle makes Ireland a better place to do business. EU commission boss Jose Manuel Barroso’s “Thank you Ireland” represents a tangible deposit in Europe’s political bank. We will need to cash this credit in the future.