Seanad debates
Wednesday, 16 October 2002
European Union (Scrutiny) Bill, 2001 changed from European Union Bill, 2001: Second Stage.
We have rightly seen those committed to the Agreement stress the absolute importance of not unpicking it. They recognise that the Agreement was hammered out between the parties and the two Governments after full discussion and analysis of all the issues came to those conclusions. Compromises were made to bring about the Agreement. It represents the finely balanced agreed positions of all the parties and the principles that inform it are partnership, inclusivity, equality and a recognition that all pursue their own legitimate and differing ultimate objectives by working together to implement the Agreement. The Agreement's supporters refute the rejectionist agenda, yet there are those in the "No" campaign in this referendum who take a totally different tack when it comes to the Nice treaty – in effect, Europe's agreement on enlargement. While they solemnly declare that Ireland's agreement, the Good Friday Agreement, must be implemented in full and not selectively picked at or eroded, the very opposite argument is used by them in relation to the Nice treaty.
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