Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

-----to some of the people who are coming over here to try to influence the Irish people in this regard.

Finally, this is the most defining moment in Irish politics. The point about the referendum is that it is everyone's individual right to vote on 2 October and each vote is equal, whether from the President, from every member of the Government or from every individual. That is a special role for all of us and I hope that in the next week we will get that message across. This House could play an important role by even discussing this matter today.

The interference of the United Kingdom Independence Party will swing the referendum very much for a "Yes" vote on 2 October because it is the most intolerant group within the European Union. If we do not get a "Yes" vote on 2 October, this is the last time we will have an opportunity for reform of the European Union if the British Conservative Party gets into office after the next general election because it is committed to holding a referendum. If, however, we sign up - the rest have signed up already - and 27 countries agree this, then there will be no going back in this regard. That is why it is so important on 2 October we all enthusiastically go out and do our utmost to get this.

I commend all the major parties which are working so hard to convince people to vote "Yes". They are putting it above party political issues. It is above party political issues because whoever runs this country in the future will rely on a "Yes" vote on 2 October.