Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)

Mr. Crotty was ridiculed by the Government and the political establishment in the State. Incidentally, he was supported by some Opposition parties which now support the "yes" campaign. He took a case and won rights for the people.

The referendum gives us the opportunity to stand up for the peoples of the rest of Europe who have been denied the opportunity to vote to give their views on the Lisbon treaty. Over 60% of people surveyed on the treaty in other EU jurisdictions oppose it but they do not have the opportunity we have. The political establishment in the State is trying to push it through, disguised in such a way that people will not understand it. As one person said, it does not matter whether we vote "No" because it will go ahead anyway.

Sinn Féin stands for people who are opposed to the contents of the Lisbon treaty. We are not anti-European and believe Ireland's place is in the European Union. Co-operation with our European partners is valuable and must continue. Sinn Féin has supported EU measures on agriculture, the environment and equality that are in Ireland's interests.

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