The Government has dropped plans to hold the referendum on the Lisbon Treaty in conjunction with one on children's rights, according to senior sources. The EU referendum will take place in late May or early June. Stephen Collins, Political Editor, reports.
The Taoiseach announced last night that Tánaiste Brian Cowen and Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern would be joint directors of elections for Fianna Fáil's campaign, with the Minister of State for European Affairs, Dick Roche, working as co-ordinator.
Speaking at a party function in Cork, Mr Ahern said - with Fianna Fáil's priority of Ireland's full membership of the EU in mind - he was delighted to announce that the party campaign would be led by a strong and experienced team.
"Working together, they will lead our party's vigorous campaign in every town and townland nationwide. I also hope that their joint appointment will signal to our opponents the considerable significance which we are placing in securing a strong Yes vote.
"Brian, Dermot and Dick have impeccable records as local, national and international politicians. They bring to this role a passion and unparalleled understanding of European issues and the vital improvements being made by the reform treaty.
"I have no doubt that Fianna Fáil members here in Cork - and throughout Ireland - will respond energetically to their appointment," said Mr Ahern.
He said Fianna Fáil would play a vital role in the coming months on the European issue. In the referendum on the Lisbon Treaty, the party would be given the opportunity to show its ability to campaign on issues of major importance to Cork and Ireland's future.
"Here in Cork, I am calling on all the Fianna Fáil organisation throughout the country to lead the debate on the reform treaty . . . A Yes vote is the best outcome for Irish society, for the Irish economy and for Irish jobs."
The Taoiseach said the treaty was a blueprint for a more efficient, effective and democratic EU of 27 countries. The improvements it would bring, he said, included:
• helping to cut red tape and modernise an organisation originally set up for six members;
• enabling Ireland to lead the fight against climate change in the EU;
• placing a new emphasis on human rights;
• enabling Irish troops to bring their expertise in peacekeeping to troubled spots around the world;
• meeting the scourge of terrorism and drugs head-on.
"I know that many of the No campaigners will again be introducing arguments which are now over 30 years old. It is our job in Fianna Fáil to challenge these arguments and prove that they were wrong 30 years ago, and they are wrong now.
"Time and again, we have been told by the No lobby that Ireland would be sidelined if we voted for every treaty. However, this has never come to pass. In fact, the complete opposite is the case," said Mr Ahern.