Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

There have been indications in recent times that a different result will be achieved in the next referendum on the Lisbon treaty. There are a number of reasons that this may be the case. Guarantees have been received by the Government about some of the concerns that caused people to vote against the treaty on the last occasion. It is also connected to the present economic situation, where people have a greater sense of reality. It would be wrong to take for granted that we will achieve a different result later in the year. There is a possibility that because of the debates and the political fall-out that result from the global economic situation, the Lisbon treaty will be sidelined. We are aware of various meetings that are being held throughout the country, not involving political parties generally. There is still a great sense of anger and people could use the referendum to express anger that may have nothing to do with the Lisbon treaty.

We must consider what it would mean if we reject the Lisbon treaty a second time, particularly because of the economic crisis at the moment. It would expose Ireland to bankruptcy. We could not expect to call in favours or flexibility from the other countries in Europe in regard to legislation or monetary instruments. That would not happen. There is a sense in Europe that Ireland has not played its full role on this issue and has not demonstrated that it has a sense of appreciation for what it has achieved to date. I ask the Leader for an ongoing debate on the next referendum and not to wait until after the elections in June because we will lose time during the summer.