Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate on an issue that is hugely important for this country and for future generations of its people. As such, it is vital that we have a measured and calm debate. Putting a gun to people's heads in the context of the horrific economic crisis we are facing is not acceptable. Instead, we must all keep calm, clear and reasonable heads. I am reminded in this debate of the historical treaty debates at the foundation of the State when the Irish people were threatened with war and dire consequences if they did not accept an agreement which divided this island with consequences of which we are all aware. Let us deal with the proposal before us in a straight and honest manner with a view to ensuring citizens have all of the facts. The Government should be truthful about the closet plans for the construction of a European super-state rather than seeking to con people with spin and misinformation. Those in favour of the treaty are not telling the Irish people the truth about the bigger picture, which is of a super-state with battle groups and other paraphernalia.

I stand for a Europe of nations working closely together, with Ireland having a strong and assertive independent foreign policy. That is what I stand for, clear and straight. It may not be popular or considered politically correct by some in the old establishment, but it is my clear position. Some of the language from Labour Party Members in the debate today is appalling, with words such as "lunacy" used in respect of those who challenge and oppose this treaty and references to the issue being used for political gain. What planet are they living on? There was also reference to "populist rants". I will not take a lecture from the Labour Party on populist rants when that party played the most populist card of all before the last general election, with outlandish promises on a range of issues. There were commitments to reduce taxes, cut stamp duty, spend more money, and oppose water charges and household taxes. Its Members took all those positions in opposition but today they are lecturing us on the morality and ethics of populist politics.

It is not populist to challenge the political establishment in this country. It is not populist to challenge those who have a larger project in mind. In fact, it is sometimes a very lonely place to be. The Government's policies of misinformation and scaremongering in regard to this referendum proposal are a disgrace and deserve to be challenged. I have taken a keen interest in the progress of this treaty and its complementary treaty on the European Stability Mechanism. The latter was authorised by an amendment to Article 136 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, TFEU, which still must be approved by all 27 member states in accordance with their respective constitutional requirements. The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade has confirmed it is the intention of the Government to approve the amendment and the European Stability Mechanism, ESM, treaty that it authorises, by a vote of the Oireachtas following the referendum on the fiscal treaty and assuming endorsement of the latter by the electorate. I believe the proposed amendment to Article 136 of the TFEU puts economic and monetary union on a wholly new basis from that to which Ireland signed up under the Maastricht and Lisbon treaties and moves it closer to a fiscal union for the eurozone, with a range of supranational controls over national budgetary policy that are outside the European Union's present area of competence. Ireland has a veto on this amendment as it requires unanimity among European Union member states before becoming EU law. This puts the Government into a strong bargaining position, should it choose to take advantage of it. However, because I contend that both the Article 136 amendment and the ESM treaty it licenses are in breach of EU law and in consequence are unconstitutional in Ireland, both should be put to a referendum of the Irish people in addition to the fiscal treaty.

I raise this point in respect of the details of this debate today. However, it also is important to challenge the manifestation of what I call the EU mindset in this House. I refer to those who are opposed to Ireland having its own economic independence or its own independent foreign policy, which is an important issue. Members of the Oireachtas have a duty to stand up for the Irish people and citizens. They have a duty not to turn their backs on their own country and to serve their own State and this is very important. The duty of any Senator or Deputy is to serve Ireland and its citizens and not any other wider project. That is their priority and should be done carefully. In respect of the broader debate, when the Referendum Commission issues its information pamphlet outlining both sides of the argument, I urge everyone to read both sides and to examine closely the sensible and objective concerns shared by many people. People do not like to be forced into a corner and do not like a gun being put to their heads in respect of Ireland's economic policies. Ireland is well able to look after budgets and to manage its own economic affairs and finances and people must grow up about this point. I acknowledge we must be organised in respect of our finances and must understand the relationship between tax revenue and public expenditure.

I welcome this debate and urge everyone to calm down in respect of the language used, such as the use of words like "lunacy" by colleagues in the Labour Party. People should grow up and listen to both sides of the debate.

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