David Cullinane (Sinn Fein)

It all is a nonsense. It is an illusion and those on the "Yes" know it. They put it into the treaty simply to scare people.

I respect the views and opinions of all Members in this House, but what I would say about this referendum - I made this point about what is happening in Greece, and I mean it genuinely and sincerely - is that there is a real danger we are lecturing people about what they can and cannot do, pointing to the people of Greece because of the way they voted as causing instability and pointing to the people of this country about what way they will vote on the austerity treaty. The people have a choice. The people can make up their own minds and democracy should prevail. People should be allowed to vote without fear and make up their own minds about what is in the treaty and whether they believe the treaty is good or bad for this country.

We have a choice. We always have a choice. Democracy is about choice. Once we go down that slippery road of saying to people that they do not have any choice, that will be a retrograde step for the future of Europe. We should respect people's point of view and respect their right to do whatever they wish in a referendum.