Lisbon vote most important in decades
Issued : Sunday 27 September, 2009
Statement by Eamon Gilmore TD
Leader of the Labour Party, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade
The poster we are launching for the final phase of the Labour Party's Lisbon campaign is designed to impress upon voters the importance of the Lisbon Treaty and also the importance of turning out to vote on Friday. It carries the simple message :'Yes, it is that important', because nobody should be under any doubt about the importance of the poll next Friday
The opinion poll results over the weekend have been encouraging, showing a solid majority likely to vote in favour. But nothing can be left to chance. This is far too important an issue for Ireland and for our future.
This is one of the most important referenda we have held in recent decades.
The outcome will determine not just determine our relationship with the rest of Europe. It will also have a major impact on our capacity to recover from the economic crisis and to get people back to work.
The economic environment has changed beyond recognition since we last voted on Lisbon in June 2008. The world has been plunged into an unprecedented recession and the impact has been felt more deeply in Ireland than most other countries.
If we are to recover from the recession and get people back to work, action is required at both national and economic level. We have to work with the EU or we will trail behind other countries when recovery comes.
A no vote would send out a negative message internationally, suggesting that we are, at best, half hearted about the EU. This would be no incentive to foreign investment and would restrict our capacity to create new jobs.
A clear yes vote on the other hand would send out a positive and confident message, that Ireland is open for business, that we welcome foreign investment and the jobs it brings and that we want to remain a fully committed member of the EU.
Given that recent polls have shown a solid majority in favour, there must also be a danger that some people who support the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty, may think that it will be automatically carried and that there is no need to turn out to vote. This would be a great mistake. Everyone has a duty to make their voices heard and to use their votes. Every vote will count. A failure by those who support the Treaty to turn out will run the risk of a second defeat and a potentially very damaging situation for the country.
