Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

Over the years we have punched above our weight and have been highly regarded in Europe. I think, in particular, of the periods when we held the Presidency, in 1994-95 when Deputy Quinn was a Minister and more recently when we negotiated this treaty. There is no major change in the treaty. Why would the Government negotiate a treaty which would be anti-Ireland?

Much depends on our decision, which will have an impact far before our shores. If we vote "No", that decision will have a detrimental impact for future generations and they will never thank us for it. Our decision will have an impact on the lives of approximately 0.5 billion people in the European Union. We must ask ourselves, as we face into the referendum, whether we should listen to those elected by the people of Europe to speak on our behalf, to people with a track record, to leaders who have made a positive contribution or to other voices or people who, although probably sincere, have been wrong in all their predictions about Europe. In every referendum since 1973, Sinn Féin has told us we were taking the wrong decision. It has said the same this time. I believe the Irish people will prove them wrong.

Let us vote in the referendum on the basis of the treaty and not on any other basis. People may have local or national grievances, but this is not the time to express their views by voting "No". This is the opportunity to vote for the future of the country and to vote for future generations.

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