The Nice Treaty was "just too important to be left to the politicians", according to a new group, the Irish Alliance for Europe, which was launched in Dublin yesterday to campaign for a Yes vote.
Prof Brigid Laffan, chairperson of the alliance, said at the launch: "It is for the Irish people to decide whether we want to be insiders or outsiders in the European Union. We believe that the overriding experience for the past 30 years in the EU has been a positive one for Ireland and that the enlargement of the EU provides great benefits for our country.
"Moreover, as a small state we need a secure external framework and this will be jeopardised if we turn our back on those who want to see the EU develop and those who want to be part of that development. Those who say otherwise are giving us a skewed and inaccurate picture of the consequences of a No vote." She compared the EU to a club where, if Ireland voted No again, we would not be invited for a drink at the bar because we had not "paid our round".
The launch was attended by representatives of various organisations as well as prominent individuals. Among those present were the former Taoiseach Mr Garret FitzGerald, trade unionist Mr Bill Attley, academic Mr Eunan O'Halpin, barrister Mr Frank Clarke, former rugby international Mr Hugo MacNeill, and theatrical impresario Mr Noel Pearson.
The campaign director, Mr Adrian Langan, said the group was being funded by voluntary donations and the names of donors would be published provided they gave their permission. A limited sum had been raised up to now and the group would be holding a series of fundraising breakfasts, starting on September 23rd with Dr FitzGerald as guest speaker.
Mr Langan said the alliance would bring an enthusiasm and fresh approach that was lacking in the previous Yes campaign and it had "hundreds" of campaign workers already. He challenged "the other side" to an open debate. With the slogan, "We're Better Off in Europe", the alliance would be putting up posters and taking part in canvassing throughout the State as well as providing Yes speakers at meetings. A campaign bus would bring the Yes message around the country.
Mr Bill Attley said he wanted to remind trade unionists of the progressive legislation which had emanated from the EU. There were "thousands and thousands" of fellow trade unionists in the accession countries without these benefits. He was appealing to the "generosity of working people" to ensure that they went out to vote Yes to Nice.
Mr Pádraic Lyons, of the youth group Ireland for Europe, said he belonged to the generation which had benefited most dramatically from EU membership. The Union now faced the challenge of extending the "zone of democracy" eastwards.
Ms Angela Kerins, of the Disability Alliance, said the EU had helped to improve conditions for people with disabilities. It was time to extend the "hand of solidarity and friendship" to such people in accession states. Their needs were great and services in the applicant countries were in a "terrible state".