Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

I am pleased to have an opportunity to say a few words in support of the legislation and, more importantly, in support of the Lisbon treaty, the vote on which will take place early in October. It is a significant time as it is the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall due to people power. It is the 20th anniversary of the fall of communism and the spread of freedom and democracy across the Continent, and the charting of a new march forward for the people of Europe.

If somebody had said to me in February or March 1987 when I was first elected to the Oireachtas that within little more than two and a half years the Soviet empire would have dissolved and the Iron Curtain would have melted down, I would have considered it an incredible dream. Such has been the pace of people power in politics in the past two decades that we now have a strong and dynamic Europe with most countries on that Continent now members of the European Union. The Lisbon treaty is the next step in ensuring a strong and peaceful Europe, a Europe that works and creates work. In this time of economic difficulty, doubt and uncertainty, it is, as stated by Senators Cummins and Ó Murchú, absolutely imperative for the future economic well-being of this country that we ratify this treaty at the earliest possible opportunity.

Ireland has changed, as has Europe, since June 2008. We must respect the decision of the Irish people a little more than 12 months ago when they rejected the Lisbon treaty. We must recognise that a significant number of people had genuine doubts, fears and concerns about it. While there are always people who will say "No" regardless of the question put before them, we must try to bring on board all people and ensure that the Lisbon treaty is carried. It is important, as honesty and transparency is important in politics, that we point out without fear or favour that the Lisbon treaty has been clarified and not changed and that the same question is being put before the people on 2 October as was put before them in June 2008. There was a need for clarification of the treaty and I congratulate the Government and the Taoiseach on clarifying some of the doubts and confusion that surrounded it on the last occasion, some of which was deliberately generated and some which was genuine. It is hoped we are now in a position to wave aside some of the issues which caused that doubt and concern which resulted in people voting "No" to the treaty.

We must all, between now and 2 October, seek to ensure that the clarified treaty is understood by the majority of people. There is an onus on political parties, in particular the two main parties, to actively canvass and campaign in a real and meaningful fashion. I hope we have all learned the lesson of April, May and June 2008 that playing silly politics with a referendum, with posters being displayed on billboards saying councillor A says "Yes" and councillor B supports Lisbon, is not what a campaign should be about. It must be about knocking on doors, holding public meetings and distributing literature that explains what the treaty is about, how important it is for Ireland and pointing out that our very future depends on the European Union and our active involvement therein. On this occasion, we need a real political campaign not of the type in which we all took part a little more than 12 months ago. It is time for political leadership. Members on the Government side of the House must show leadership as must those on this side of the House who hope to be a position of leadership of the country in a few years time. We must show the strength of our political parties by actively supporting the Government in this matter through encouraging our supporters to vote "Yes".

The state of our economy is perilous; we all know that. Thousands of jobs per week are being lost, causing huge doubt and uncertainty for families. The only certainty which we can offer our hard pressed constituents this summer and autumn is that in saying "Yes" to Lisbon, thus ensuring the European Union works more efficiently and effectively, we will be part of a strong team which can help turn the economic tide. That is the challenge before us. We face a big political task to convince our friends, neighbours and constituents that Ireland's future is at the core of Europe.

I have heard many people who were opposed the treaty in 2008 and are set to oppose it again preface their remarks by saying, "Yes Ireland must be at the heart of Europe and yes we support the EU 'but"", and that is nothing but a cop-out. One is either for the European Union or against it. To use the biblical phraseology, "He who is not for me is against me." The phraseology, "I am for Europe and I want Ireland to be in Europe but", is a load of codswallop. The voices of negativity and rejection are old enough that their song has been on disc since 1971 or 1972. We heard in 1987, 1992 and since then of the damage, peril and disaster that would face this country if we continued with the European Union project. We must reject those voices of doubt, cynicism and opportunism. Their only interest in campaigning for Lisbon or Europe relates to their own little pathetic political projects.

The majority of Members of this and the other House see the Lisbon treaty as being so central to the future economic well-being of this country that they are wiling to put their shoulders to the wheel on this occasion. Perhaps 12 months ago many of our local councillors were preparing for local elections and were looking elsewhere politically and, perhaps, there was such division in Leinster House on other political matters that we took our eye off the ball. However, on this occasion there can be no doubt in terms of the question before us: do we remain at the heart of Europe as a central player, being influential, or do we shut down the window of opportunity which Europe offers us? That is the question we must answer next October. The challenge for all of us is to actively engage with the public to gain their support for the referendum. The scale of the question before us next October is such that if we do not ratify the treaty the future of this country will be dark, dreary and bleak.

I acknowledge the onus and responsibility on the political establishment in this regard. However, there is a need for us to point out to the public that it is they who will make the decision and it is they who have a responsibility to engage and educate themselves in regard to what this debate is about. Politicians can lead and try to inform and drive opinion but, as in respect of rights and responsibilities, the electorate bears a responsibility to read about the treaty, to tune into debates on it and to make an informed decision in that regard. I have enough confidence in the intelligence of the Irish people to expect that they can understand the treaty and the choice they have to make. I hope they will say "Yes."