Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)

In times of strong economic growth, a business - like any other - will run a surplus and use that excess to pay down debts or invest in the business. In periods of recession governments, like any SMEs, need flexibility both to borrow and invest thus ensuring that people get back to work, and that growth and stability are returned to the economy.

If this austerity treaty is ratified it will place an economic straight-jacket on the State and its people for many decades. By giving this treaty the protection of the Irish Constitution, it ensures it is permanent and can only be changed by a future referendum and with the agreement of the other signatory states. It is crystal clear that this is an unfair and unjust treaty, which will be bad for those on low and middle incomes and disadvantaged communities.

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