Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

On behalf of Sinn Féin, as the only all-Ireland party and one that is deeply concerned about the effect of this referendum on both sides of the Border, I appeal to the Government, even at this late stage, not to proceed with this dangerous, divisive and reactionary referendum on 11 June. I appeal to it not to seek to make this profound change in the Constitution and in the Good Friday Agreement, for which the people voted by an overwhelming majority in 1998. If the Government refuses to listen to the wide range of opinion throughout the country and in the Oireachtas calling on it to relent, then Sinn Féin will campaign vigorously for a "No" vote. I wish to indicate the support of Sinn Féin for the amendment tabled by Fine Gael, Labour and the Green Party.

In promoting this rushed referendum the Government is stirring the pot of ignorance, fear and bigotry which produces outright racism. In holding the referendum in conjunction with local and EU elections, Government members may hope to benefit their parties electorally. However, they will only do so at the expense of civil rights, community relations and the Good Friday Agreement. This is the work of an irresponsible Government.

The component parts of this Government were keen promoters of the passports for sale scheme, better described as a scandal.

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