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Less Libertas and more veritas, Rabbitte to Ganley in Lisbon debate

Issued : Wednesday 8 April, 2009

Thank you for the invitation. In the remarkable times through which we are living I am bound to say that the organisers might have selected a more exciting subject but you could scarcely have selected a more important one. Events since last September must have convinced all but the most eurosceptical of the importance of Ireland being in good standing at the heart of the European Union. Everything is changed. What has happened is as big as the collapse of the Berlin Wall. A small exposed economy needs an anchor. Most sensible people know that we should nurture the relationships that we have established within the EU for almost 40 years.

So big is the change wrought by the financial collapse that I am sceptical of the sustainability of the strictly legal position which is that another 'no' vote in Ireland and the Treaty is dead. Another 'no' vote in present financial and economic circumstances could as easily lead to the other Member States deciding that it is in their political interests to proceed without us. If they make such a political decision then the legal means of implementing it will always be found. Even if Lisbon is killed off, there are a number of other routes open to the other Member States all of them unhelpful to this country's interests.

Many Member States would regard a second 'no' vote in Ireland as a conclusive declaration that we do not wish to be part of the current consensus.

Proponents of a 'YES' vote should not on this occasion allow themselves to be distracted by every hare invented by the 'NO' side. Your children will not be more likely to be snatched from you by the State if Lisbon is ratified. Neither will Irish Mothers' sons be conscripted to serve in a European army that doesn't exist. Your vote will not affect our corporate tax regime. And if the assurances of the Bishops that abortion will not be introduced into Ireland under Lisbon are scorned by the naysayers, political parties would be unwise to waste time trying to succeed where the Bishops have failed. A little less Libertas and a little more Veritas. We can't afford another debate about matters not in the Treaty.

The Lisbon Treaty is about establishing a clear, workable and accountable institutional framework which will allow a Union of 27 - and eventually more than 30 - sovereign, democratic states to work together in areas which they have designated and to find common approaches to the many major issues which face each of those countries but which can only be dealt with through shared analysis and common policies. Not even the biggest and wealthiest Member States can, for example, tackle the challenges of Climate Change and Energy Security on their own.

Narrow nationalism, protectionism and insularity are recipes for disaster.

The European Union is a unique coming together of democracies which have chosen to share some of their sovereignty in the pursuit of shared goals and aspirations. Sovereignty does not simply reside in the ability to say no. It means being in a position to advance our national interests. It means being at the table where key decisions are under discussion and when they are made.

In today's world of interdependence there is nothing to be gained by standing alone as the master of an ever more narrow space. Having the veto does not guarantee meaningful outcomes. Within the EU system unanimity in certain areas -- for example defence and taxation -- is important and recognised as such. But it is entirely fanciful to imagine that the policy agenda of the union can be advanced if every decision requires unanimity.

There is a need for greater concerted EU action in face of the world economic and financial crisis.

There is a need for greater EU cooperation on economic and social policies geared to the Lisbon goals of full employment and social solidarity.

There is a need to enhance the fundamental rights of EU citizens, and especially workers, by implementation of the Charter of Fundamental rights.

There is a need for EU action to combat climate change, giving leadership at the Copenhagen Summit later this year.

There is a need for positive EU action on Energy Security, including relations with Russia.

There is a need for strong EU policies on combating world poverty.
There is a need for well crafted EU policies on international security, through CFSP, ESDP and close working relations with the United Nations.

In brief, there is a need to give concrete reality to the values and principles set out so clearly in the Lisbon Treaty.