Dublin South East Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Democratic wishes must be respected

Published: 2 June, 2005

Sinn Féin's Dublin Spokesperson on European Affairs, Councillor Daithí Doolan, speaking ahead of tonight's public meeting in the Mansion House, has called on European leaders, "to respect the democratic wishes of the French and Dutch electorate."

Speaking this morning, Cllr. Doolan said:

"The recent polls indicate just how removed the political elite have become from reality. We now see the same elite scrambling to lay the blame at each others door while demeaning the outcome of the referenda in France and Holland. Rather than accepting the outcome of democracy the elite are spinning, dismissing and ridiculing those who have put a stop to the establishment of a Euro Superstate.

"Tonight's meeting, organised by the Peace And Neutrality Alliance, will give the public an opportunity to discuss and debate the future of Europe beyond the proposed EU Constitution. If, or when, the government here proceed with a referendum Sinn Féin are prepared and ready to take the arguments to the people. Our campaign will be positive and proactive, it will be engaging and broad based. Sinn Féin looks forward to the challenge that this referendum will present us, it will give us the opportunity to offer the people an alternative. Not a European Superstate based on free market madness but a Europe based on meeting people's needs. Investing not in the arms trade but in health care and housing. We aim to build a Europe based on equality and human rights. Our message during any referendum will be about building an Ireland of equals in a Europe of equals."

In conclusion Cllr. Doolan, demanded the government, "to come clean, be honest and admit the current constitution is dead in the water. It is time to renegotiate a constitution that is based on human rights and meeting the needs of people."