EU: Labour delegates yesterday gave the go-ahead to the party to campaign for a Yes vote in the referendum on the proposed European Constitution.
Ruairí Quinn, spokesman on European affairs, said that the treaty establishing a constitution for Europe was "a positive, succinct and constructive measure" which would help the existing enlarged EU to work more efficiently and effectively.
"The constitution combines, in one document, the five existing treaties which Ireland has already ratified and which form the basis of the modern European union.
"The core powers and responsibilities undertaken by the European Union remain the same as those that we, the member states, have already democratically decided in previous treaties to confer to the European Union."
Ireland had done this, he said, because it felt then, and even more so now, that the exercise of those sovereign powers was more effectively done at European level than at home.
"For example, aspects of foreign trade, environmental protection, and the health and safety of our workers in the internal European market were better exercised by a Europe speaking with one voice. But the treaty establishing a constitution for Europe does more than just tidy up what we have already agreed. It improves the way we make decisions and makes Europe more democratic, more open and more transparent."
Mr Quinn said the document was the product of an open and representative convention of 105 members comprised of representatives of national governments, the national parliaments, including opposition members, the European Parliament and the European Commission. The convention was democratic, open and transparent.The Constitution consolidates the union, reinforces its values, strengthens the system of decision-making, makes it more transparent and accountable and develops its democratic character at national and European level.