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

Doolan-Ahern must clarify position on EU Constitution

Published: 9 June, 2005

Sinn Féin's Dublin Spokesperson on European Affairs, Councillor Daithí Doolan, speaking at the National Forum on the Future of Europe, has called on the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, "to clarify why he is pursuing a referendum that has already been rejected."

Speaking this morning in Dublin Castle, Cllr. Doolan said:

"The recent polls in France & Holland indicate just how removed the political elite have become from reality. We now see the same elite scrambling to lay the blame at each other's 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 Super State. Both No campaigns in France and Holland were not a right wing knee jerk reaction as the establishment would like to have us believe. The truth is that the No campaigns were a co-ordinated progressive opposition to a centralised, unaccountable Europe. Today's meeting here in Dublin Castle comes at a very important time, the debate has moved on, it is now about what will the future of Europe look like. We must have a real debate on the future of Europe beyond the proposed EU Constitution.

"The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, must now clarify why exactly he is pursuing the referendum at all. The treaty has been rejected, it has fallen and the wishes of the people must be respected. But if the Taoiseach does 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 Super State 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 Taoiseach, "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."