Eugene Regan (Fine Gael)

I wish to express my surprise at the Leader's outburst yesterday following an appeal from this side of the House that Members avoid criticising each other for what they are doing in the referendum campaign on the Lisbon treaty. It was similar to the Taoiseach's response when Deputy Enda Kenny made a similar appeal. He remarked that Fine Gael and the Labour Party should crank up their campaigns, when they were the first to start work on the Lisbon campaign. It is not fully appreciated how divisive and profound an effect this has had among the electorate. The Taoiseach's remarks represent a defining moment in the campaign. Even if he did not correct the situation in the Dáil yesterday, I believe he must mend his hand. If this is turned into a partisan and divisive campaign, we will have a difficulty. When he was Minister for Foreign Affairs the Taoiseach was director of elections for the first referendum on the Nice Treaty and he is now responsible for the referendum on the Lisbon treaty. On present form, it is very likely that he will fluff both referenda. I ask the Leader to reflect on this and his outburst yesterday, and to convey our views in this regard to the Taoiseach. There is a national interest in ensuring the referendum succeeds.