Tag Archives: Referendum

Declan Ganley at the Certified Public Accountants conference in the Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork, today.

Regarding the possibility of a ‘second vote’ a Libertas Institute spokesman said:

“He [Richard Bruton] admits that Ireland can vote on this deal later in the year – meaning that the Irish people are free to hold their cards until we know what other EU countries are putting on the table. Dozens of experts have called for the postponement of this referendum. It’s now clear that the only choice for Ireland is to tell the Government to wait, seek a deal that tackles our real problem – the bank debt – and come back to us later in the year. This can only be done with a calm, rational ‘NO’ on 31 May.”

Bruton’s Second Referendum slip Ends ‘Yes’ Argument – Libertas  Hiklary Martyn, Galway Independent

(John Allen/Photocall Ireland)

 

Earlier: Far Right Hipsters In Ireland

MINISTER FOR Finance Michael Noonan has rejected claims that he is trying to scare the electorate into voting Yes to the fiscal treaty, saying the Irish people are entitled to know the truth. He said his comment that next year’s budget would be more difficult if the treaty is rejected was a “considered statement”.

Speaking in Brussels yesterday Mr Noonan said some appeared to believe that you couldn’t have a frank debate because it upset Sinn Féin.

“Now Sinn Féin might be afraid of the truth on a number of issues but the Irish people aren’t afraid of the truth,” he said.

That’s right. We’re not afraid.

A No vote would oblige him to reduce his forecast for economic growth for next year, he added.

Aaaaagh!

Noonan Denies He Is Trying To Scare Voters (Arthur Beesley and Stephen Collins, Irish Times)

Also: Noonan Says Multinationals Will Leave If Ireland Votes No (Sarah Collins, Irish Independent)

(Photocall Ireland)

CAMPAIGNING BY the Coalition parties on the fiscal treaty referendum will be ramped up today amid warnings from a senior Fine Gael figure that the Yes side is facing a “difficult engagement” with the electorate.

And then some.

Minister for Communications Pat Rabbitte said the International Monetary Fund “will not come to the rescue of any member state of the European Union, only in partnership with the ESM”.

However, Sinn Féin’s Peadar Tóibín, citing a story in a Sunday newspaper, said Ireland would not be isolated from funding [from the IMF}  if it voted against the treaty.

“If they would not let Anglo Irish Bank fail, they’re not going to let this State fail,” he said.

*popcorn, Minstrels, large Sprite*

Coalition To intensify Yes Drive In ‘Tight’ Referendum (Irish Times)

(Photocall Ireland)

Mr [François] Hollande said if elected he would not ratify the treaty unless a deal was agreed on measures to promote jobs and economic growth.

He also indicated that the result of Ireland’s referendum should not be taken for granted.

“There will be a renegotiation,” Mr Hollande said. “Will the treaty be changed? I hope so. Or another treaty arranged? That is up for negotiation. But the treaty, as is, will not be ratified.”

Mr Hollande noted that three countries had already ratified the pact, but added: “We don’t know the result of the [Irish] referendum. And you know, at times Ireland has been capable of saying No.”

Thanks a pant-load François, as Enda might shriek into his Coco Pops of a morning.

French Presidential Candidate Wants Treaty Reopened (Irish Times)

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