Business group Ibec has called for a Yes vote in the Lisbon Treaty referendum and said the restoration of Ireland’s international reputation is "vital to reduce the inflated cost of government borrowing" and the strain this is putting on the public finances.
An Ibec delegation was in Brussels today for a meeting with European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso.
Speaking after the meeting, Ibec director general Danny McCoy said that if the right choices are made, Ireland will recover from its current economic difficulties, but he said now was "not the time to isolate ourselves in Europe by rejecting the Lisbon Treaty".
Ibec representatives met Mr Barroso and president of the European Parliament Jerzy Buzek, amongst others.
The delegation outlined the view of Irish employers on the serious economic challenges facing both Ireland and Europe more broadly, Mr McCoy said.
“At a time of great economic turmoil, now more than ever we need to work in solidarity with our partners in Europe to address shared concerns. While Ireland has its own particular difficulties, other countries are also facing serious economic challenges.
"The economic crisis has crystallised the value of Europe, and reinforced the importance of Ireland's reputation and strength within the EU. It has taught us that our future success and our international reputation are wedded to the ambitions and interests of our partners in Europe, and to the success of Europe in the wider world."
Mr McCoy said it was vital for our economic future that Ireland is "at the heart of a reformed and better-functioning EU. We have an opportunity on October 2nd to send a clear message to our European and international partners that we want to play a central and active part in Europe.”