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

Doolan challenges Minister for date on EU referendum

Published: 20 October, 2005

Sinn Féin's Dublin Spokesperson on European Affairs & Dublin South East Representative, Councillor Daithí Doolan, called on the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dermot Aherne, "to stop running scared and give us a date for the referendum on the EU Constitution."

Speaking at the National Forum on the Future of Europe in Dublin Castle, Cllr. Doolan said:

"Today's Forum, which is being addressed Minister Aherne, gives us the opportunity to debate the issues and challenges facing us in Europe. The Minister needs to stop lecturing us on how to be, so called, good Europeans and he needs to listen to those of us who have a different view to his own. It is time for the government to listen to the Irish people's genuine concerns about the current direction of the EU

The recent publication of the government's White Paper on Europe was more of a white wash than an attempt to have political debate. The White Paper along with the Taoiseach's claim that he will not have any referendum on the EU Constitution before a general election clearly shows the government is clearly losing the argument to those of us who have an alternative view of Europe.

"Sinn Féin has a clear vision on the future of the EU. It needs to be inclusive, accountable, democratic and a promoter of peace and justice in the world. We need to build a Europe where people's needs are it's central driving force and not simply profit. 150,000 children in Ireland live in poverty, that is inexcusable in today's EU, we must use the EU as a force to eradicate poverty. This view, I believe, is held by a vast majority in today's European's but ignored by the EU super structures.

"Recent events in Holland and France have clearly indicated that the political elite across Europe are firmly out of touch and are now scrambling to piece the jig-saw back together. Ordinary people including trade unions, immigrant groups and community groups need to be part of that picture. To exclude any voice or view is unacceptable and clearly wrong."

In conclusion Cllr. Doolan, called on Minister Aherne, "to stop scrambling and start listening to people who continue to be excluded from the EU debate."