Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)

Like most speakers and on behalf of the Fine Gael Party, I will do everything possible to convince people to vote "Yes". I will do so out of sheer conviction. I did not decide today, yesterday or ten years ago that the European experience is good for Ireland.

There has been much adverse publicity regarding the treaty. Many "No" campaigners are beginning to paint pictures that were never painted before. I accept it is not always good to look backward but there is no harm in connecting with where this great experience began and trying to anticipate the direction in which we hope it will go. There is a much bigger picture relating to this matter which many members of the electorate have not yet seen. Perhaps that is my fault or that of others, I do not know.

Deputy Treacy and I were previously members of Macra na Feirme and we campaigned for a "Yes" vote at the end of 1972 and the beginning of 1973.

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