Martin Conway (Fine Gael)

They did not. If the Senator looks at the research carried out post the referendum, they said they did not have a clue what they were voting for and that was why they had voted "No". Thankfully, in the second Lisbon treaty referendum, enough people were informed because the major political parties took their responsibilities seriously and sold the message in more simplified language which, while not as simplified as I would have liked, was good enough to bring some 68% of the population on board. I would like to see a situation where the compact treaty will be endorsed by a greater number. When the people study exactly what is being proposed, they will realise it is a tidying up exercise to ensure our house will be properly insured and the country will play a central and leading role within the European Union. I understand Ireland is the only country in which a referendum is being held; therefore, the Irish people are the only ones being given an opportunity to exercise their democratic right. When the treaty is passed, as I believe it will be, we will restate our position within the Union in which we have always been to the forefront. We have always punched way above our weight and always played a pivotal role. We have always had much greater influence that a country with a population of approximately 4 million would necessarily have.

I look forward to a robust, well informed debate that I hope will not just take place among those aged 18 years upwards but will percolate through second and primary level because the school pupils concerned will have a key to role to play in future years. Not alone do I hope the Referendum Commission will do its job with those eligible to vote but also that it will maintain a keen interest in those who will be eligible to vote in coming years.