Eugene Regan (Fine Gael)

I want to follow up on Senator Fitzgerald's mention of the Lisbon treaty. I spoke at a number of Fine Gael public meetings this weekend. It is evident there is a lack of information and a certain apathy about this treaty and the referendum. Also, a message has gone out that it would be a disaster — that was the language used by the Minister of State, Deputy Roche, who is leading the campaign for the Government — for Europe and for Ireland if this treaty failed. That frightens people and is considered arrogant because it suggests they have no choice in the matter other than to vote "Yes." It is the wrong approach to the referendum. It needs to be explained to people what is in the treaty. The misinformation which has been put out by the "No" campaign has raised genuine concerns about Europe and certain aspects of it. They are the genuine concerns with which we have to engage rather than tell people they must vote "Yes" because to do otherwise would be a disaster for Europe. The Minister of State has used that language in this House, and it is unfortunate.

The incoming Taoiseach, Deputy Cowen, has an opportunity to win this referendum, but the message must be changed from one of disaster to one of explanation and sweet reason. He also might consider changing the Minister of State with responsibility for European affairs who is leading this campaign, given the negative reaction to his approach to date to this referendum.