Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

I substantially agree with what Deputy Kenny stated. Like Fine Gael, the Labour Party supports this treaty and the referendum, notwithstanding the political differences we have with Government on day-to-day matters.

The poll at the weekend accurately reflects the response we are getting. There is a combination of lack of information and misinformation which is causing a reluctance among people to support this treaty.

It is obviously a complex treaty because of the way it is written and it is difficult to explain in a couple of sentences, but we are dealing on a day-to-day basis with much misinformation and many red herrings. There are allegations that the treaty will haul us into a militarised Europe when manifestly that is not the case. There are allegations that it will result in self-amending arrangements when clearly that is not the case. There are allegations that it will result in tax harmonisation when clearly that is not the case.

One necessity at this stage is clear leadership on the part of Government on the treaty. I acknowledge the good work that the Minister of State, Deputy Roche, is doing in advocating the case for the treaty but there is a necessity for the Tánaiste to take command of this campaign as soon as possible and for there to be a greater evidence of Government energy in promoting the treaty than there has been to date.

As far as the Labour Party is concerned, we support the treaty on its merits. It is a good treaty for Europe and for the people of this country and it advances many aspects of the social and democratic Europe that the Labour Party wants to see advanced. However, we, on the Opposition side of the House, cannot win this treaty. The Government must show a greater degree of energy and leadership on the issue than has been evident to date.

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