Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I am not looking for anything out of this. My focus is on having the treaty endorsed by the Irish people and passed by them with a resounding "Yes" vote. In order to do that they will have to be properly and fully informed, but they must also be enthusiastic about wanting to come out to vote. The Taoiseach's remarks, as reported, were to the effect that his party is the most pro-European in the campaign and that other parties, including Fine Gael and Labour, should crank up their campaigns to the level of the Fianna Fáil one.

The Minister for Finance said that if Fine Gael exercised dictatorial control over its members the Lisbon treaty might be passed. It is perfectly obvious to all and sundry, however, that this party was first out of the traps with its campaign, including posters and public meetings. The fact is that the Taoiseach's remarks have caused a deal of antagonism across the country. I am telling him this face to face. It makes my job more difficult and from that perspective I think he should withdraw those remarks, as reported. That would be in everybody's interest. The Taoiseach has admitted he has not read the treaty. The Tánaiste had her difficulties with the commissioners.

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