Lisbon No Vote Will Isolate Ireland In Europe, Says Killeen

That is according to Minister of State and Clare T.D. Tony Killeen who warned that a second rejection of the Treaty in October would diminish Ireland’s credibility abroad.

"Having attended numerous Council of Ministers meetings before and since the Treaty was rejected by Irish voters last year, I have noticed a distinct change in the attitudes of other EU member states towards Ireland", stated the Junior Agriculture Minister. He continued: "It has become increasingly evident that Ireland no longer holds the same goodwill and appreciation of other member states as it did prior to the first referendum on the Lisbon Treaty. Such a situation, if allowed to continue, will greatly undermine Ireland’s bargaining position at EU level."

Minister of State Killeen noted that a second rejection of the Lisbon Treaty would have serious consequences for Irish agriculture and other business sectors. He added that a ‘Yes’ vote would deliver increased access to European Markets.

"Ireland is a small open economy which exports over 80% of every product and service it produces. Through our membership of the EU and the creation of the single market Irish business can now sell all of its goods and services to 486 million customers throughout the EU on an equal footing to any other company in the EU. In the past 10 years Irish companies have doubled their exports into EU member states from EUR44 billion to EUR87billion. However, the European single market is not yet fully realised particularly in the area of services. A yes vote on the Lisbon Reform Treaty would result in the single market project becoming more efficient and Irish business securing further business opportunities", stated Minister of State Killeen.

The Clare T.D. outlined a series of other positive consequences for Ireland as a result of accepting the Lisbon Treaty. "Ireland will retain a veto in key areas for Irish Business, while businesses will be afforded increased access to international markets and power to shape the rules of international trade. A Yes vote will also mean that Irish business will continue to develop highly skilled jobs, our ability to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) will improve, Irish business will have a flexible and adaptable workforce, R&D potential will be enhanced, and Ireland’s exposure regarding energy security will be reduced", concluded Minister Killeen.