Lisbon Treaty Public Debate in Ennis
The Treaty of Lisbon was debated at a lively public meeting on Monday 10th March in the Old Ground Hotel, Ennis on the Lisbon Treaty, organised by the National Forum On Europe.
The meeting opened with addresses by local Fianna Fail TD Timmy Dooley who called for a Yes vote in the forthcoming referendum on the Treaty and by former MEP Patricia McKenna of the People’s Movement who argued for a No vote.
Mr Dooley, who is Vice Chairman of the Joint Committee on European Affairs, said that he firmly believed that it was in Ireland’s future political and economic interest to vote in favour of the Treaty. “A vote in favour of the EU Lisbon Reform Treaty would ensure strong institutions in Europe to implement strong policies.”
The Clare Deputy said the challenges facing Ireland’s competitiveness were all global. “We need to have in place structures and procedures in Europe that will ensure that the European Union institutions will be able to address new political problems in Europe such as climate change and the fight against illegal drug importations,” he said.
“We must remember at all times that the European Union only has the power to act in the political areas that the EU treaties give the European Union such powers,” the Clare TD added. He also said that under the Treaty, national governments would still be able to set their own tax rates. “Decisions in the field of foreign affairs matters must also be taken with the unanimous agreement of all 27 EU member states.”
However, Ms McKenna said that the Lisbon Treaty was unacceptable for many reasons “not least because it is a fundamental shift of power from the small to the big EU States, from National Parliaments to non-elected EU committees, the Commission, Council
of Ministers and Court of Justice.”
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