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MAGINNESS - LISBON TREATY GOOD FOR IRELAND Speaking before Thursday’s referendum on the Lisbon Treaty in the Republic SDLP Justice Spokesperson Alban Maginness stated: “The Lisbon Treaty is an attempt to bring the institutions of Europe out of the 1970s and into the new millennium. It is a fair and balanced treaty, which remains true to the principles upon which the European movement was founded. Over the past 35 years Europe has delivered so much for Ireland, north and south, and because of this Ireland is now at the very heart of the new Europe. Ireland, once one of the poorest countries in Europe, has for the past decade been the driving force behind economic growth in Europe. Ireland has undergone enormous social advances in the past three decades, many of which have been linked to our membership of the European Union. Irish membership of the European Union has never threatened the sovereignty of Ireland; in fact it has secured our independence. We are now the masters of our own destiny; rather that remaining as an isolated figure of the fringes of the continent. We cannot have a union of 27 states being governed by the same institutions which were set up to deal with 15 states. At a time when Europe needs to adapt quickly to the new challenges which we face, we need these reforms to be implemented. We need the ability to be able to meet these challenges head on. The Lisbon Treaty offers a vision of a democratic and accountable Europe which places the rights of its citizens at its centre. The provision of a ‘social clause’ means that respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality and the rule of law must be taken into account when drafting all EU legislation. The rights of every citizen in Europe will be protected by the Charter of Fundamental Rights; a document which will enshrine into EU law the principle of equality. It will place civil and political rights on equal footing with social, economic, and cultural rights. This will strengthen the rights of all European citizens; offering an unprecedented level of protection at all levels. The Lisbon Treaty will give increased benefits in terms of European social legislation in a wide range of areas from health and safety standards, to equal pay, to women’s rights, and countless other areas. Those who are against this Treaty claim they are in favour of the European Union, but against Lisbon. The same people who oppose Lisbon are the same people who opposed Nice; the same people who opposed Maastricht; the same people who opposed the Single European Act; and if they were alive then they probably would have opposed the Treaty of Rome in 1950 which founded the European Movement. This treaty is about progress, openness, and accountability. It is about creating a modern Europe which will benefit the lives of members in every state, from the Atlantic, to the Black Sea. This Thursday the people of Ireland will have the opportunity to show real leadership to the rest of Europe. Europe has done so much for Ireland; this is a chance for Ireland to give something back to Europe.” |
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