Government don't want to debate facts on Lisbon Treaty
Published: 10 March, 2008
Sinn Féin Dublin MEP Mary Lou McDonald has accused Dick Roche of talking
nonsense. She said 'the lack of information available to the electorate
only months out from a referendum is a disgrace.' She said it is clear
that the government have no interest in debating the facts.
Ms. McDonald said, "Dick Roche said that the government aims to ensure
that before polling day people will have more factual information than
in any other referenda. Given the government's reticence in setting the
date he clearly is not interested in information becoming available too
far in advance of polling day.
"Last week I contacted Government Publications to get a copy of the
Lisbon Treaty for a constituent. They had no copy of the Lisbon Treaty,
no consolidated text and no copy of the Treaties on which the Lisbon
Treaty is based. Sinn Féin has published an alternative guide to the
Lisbon Treaty. Our members are currently distributing 500,000
newsletters across the country. We have organised seven regional public
meetings. And it is clear that the government has no interest in
debating the facts.
"There is a need for a proper, mature debate. We need to discuss the
facts. We need to discuss the implications of the Lisbon Treaty for
Ireland. And the first step in broadening out the debate is for the
government to set the date. The sooner this happens the better."
|
