Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for the opportunity to speak on this very important debate on the Lisbon treaty. All politicians should listen to the people and, at the same time, be open to change. I voted "No" in the last referendum on the Lisbon treaty because I had serious concerns about the lack of an Irish voice on the EU Commission, the incorporation of the European Defence Agency into the treaties, the threat to our neutrality, tax issues, workers' rights, the threat to the Oireachtas and the need to build a more democratic and peaceful Europe. I set out my stall to the Irish people and voted "No". The vast majority of people supported that position.

I am in the middle of a detailed consultation process with my election team and supporters. I have met the Minister for Foreign Affairs twice and I will probably meet him again. I am not happy with some of the people involved in the "Yes" campaign, especially those who claim to be democrats but act in an arrogant manner. However, this debate is bigger than me and I have a duty to put the interests of the Irish people first. I will not play politics and I will do my best to make an informed decision. I always have been an internationalist, supporting human rights across the globe and not just in the EU. During the debate I wanted firm and legal guarantees. I also wanted a commitment to a protocol. We appear to have achieved these objectives as there is now a package of legally binding guarantees on the table. I must examine them seriously; I cannot walk away and say "No" for the sake of saying "No". For me, the second treatment of the Lisbon treaty is a step in the right direction. We appear to remain in control of our own tax rates, Ireland's traditional policy of military neutrality seems to be guaranteed and there is a solemn declaration making clear the importance of workers' rights and public services. Can I ignore cast-iron legal guarantees on taxation or neutrality?

In the coming weeks I will work closely with my election team and participate in the debate. I will remain open and make up my mind on the facts. I will ignore the spin and challenge any politicians who use the issues for personal or political gain. It was disgraceful in the last referendum when politicians used posters to push themselves rather than to explain the issues to our people. It is time to grow up and be straight with our citizens. The Irish electorate is sophisticated and can spot the game players. I urge everyone to listen to the debate and then to make up their minds; do not be bullied by misinformation.

I still have major concerns about the Lisbon treaty and the activities of some people in the European Union. However, this will not stop me making a decision in the interests of the Irish people. I have moved from being a "No" voter to being a floating voter. I am open to the development of a more peaceful and democratic Europe; that is my clear position. As a democrat I must be extremely respectful of the fact that 53.4% of the Irish people voted "No" the last time compared to a "Yes" vote of 46.6%, although the turnout was 53%. All democrats in the House must seriously consider this position.

During the previous campaign I strongly supported the Peace and Neutrality Alliance, PANA. In May it stated there would be a "Yes" vote on the Lisbon treaty if there was a legal guarantee on neutrality and we now appear to have this. In April, it urged people to insist on a protocol and we seem to have obtained that. It is important that we re-examine the details of the legally binding guarantee. The Lisbon treaty does not affect or prejudice Irish traditional policy of military neutrality. It does not provide for the creation of a European army or for conscription to any military formation. It does not affect the right of Ireland to determine the nature and volume of its defence and security expenditure. I welcome the Government's proposal on the European Defence Agency and the legislation. I urge people to listen to the debate. I call for a balanced debate in which people deal with facts and let the Irish people make up their minds.

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