Shane Ross (Dublin South, Independent)

Yesterday, the Government parties launched their fiscal treaty referendum campaign. There appears to be a problem of timing. Parallel to the Government's launch of its campaign, throughout Europe there is a growing clamour for economic growth. Nowhere is this more apparent than in France, where Monsieur Francois Hollande is leading the campaign for growth and has stated, ominously for some, that he will not sign "the fiscal treaty as is". He has also stated emphatically that he will renegotiate that treaty.

My advice to the Taoiseach is this. Other nations throughout Europe are waiting to see the result of the French presidential election, the probable winner is Monsieur Hollande and only three countries have, so far, ratified the treaty. As Ireland's primary interest is now growth, would the Taoiseach not join those forces in a campaign to install growth measures in the treaty, as is being suggested and championed by others in Europe who are likely to be in government this time next week?

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