Labour Youth vote to support Lisbon Treaty

Issued : Thursday 14 February, 2008

Members of Labour Youth voted last weekend to support the Lisbon Treaty by only one vote. After a lively public debate on the treaty attended by over one hundred and fifty people Labour Youth members voted in a private session to support the treaty.

Enda Duffy Chairperson of Labour Youth stated after the special delegate conference: "The European Union has played a positive role in promoting the equality agenda in Ireland. For example equal pay in the work place and in social welfare payments as well as decriminalisation of homosexuality were as a direct result of Ireland's membership of the EU. Where successive right wing led government's failed - Europe delivered.

"Labour Youth stands for a Europe based on democracy, protection of public services and peace and we will continue to fight for these principles into the future. Further to this we are firmly against any form of common defence policy that sees an increase in militarism in Europe and the end of Irish neutrality. In this, we will cooperate with likeminded groups and individuals in Ireland and across Europe.

"The debate on the Lisbon Treaty ought to be informed and it is for this reason that we call for a copy of the treaty to be sent to every home in the country. The eyes of Europe will be on Ireland in the coming months and it is of vital importance that all citizens get the opportunity to make a decision that is conversant when it comes to polling day."

ENDS: