LISBON OUTTAKES: A series of mock-up posters parodying those of anti- Lisbon group Cóir have been circulated by e-mail, on internet forums and on Twitter in the last few days.
The photos of the spoof Vote No posters use the Cóir logo and contact details and copy the format of the group’s posters.
One of them warns of European beach bullies invading Ireland if the treaty is passed – and should not be mistaken for the latest, official Cóir poster which drew controversy yesterday.
Another mock poster states “95 per cent of Europeans are bleedin foreigners. Vote No”.
Richard Greene of Cóir said yesterday he had not seen the posters and did not know who was behind them.
See more of the posters, and follow coverage of the campaign at www.irishtimes.com/indepth/lisbon2009/
TCD students support treaty
IN A minor boost for the Yes side, students attending a debate at Trinity College Dublin voted 90 per cent in favour of the Lisbon Treaty.
The debate was organised by the TCD politics society. Over 100 students attended the debate, listening to former taoiseach Garret FitzGerald, Airtricity founder Eddie O’Connor, Libertas founder Declan Ganley and Socialist MEPJoe Higgins.
Women's pro-Lisbon urges employers to facilitate voting
Women for Europe are urging employers not to be clock-watching on Friday week if it means boosting the referendum turnout.
“Between creche, school runs, homework and getting to and from their jobs on time, many commuters operate to very tight schedules,” said Olive Braiden, group chairwoman.
“An extra half hour in the morning or evening may make the difference between a Yes and No vote. We are therefore calling on employers to give employees some extra time.”
“In many ways, our political class have been far too parochial”
- former Irish European Commissioner Peter Sutherland
“You are confusing the Government with the EU. . . Jaysus, you cannot confuse the two”
- Pro-treaty IFA president Pádraig Walshe speaking to farming voters
“Bigoted, narrow, insular, little Englander view”
- Minister of State for Europe Dick Roche’s description of the political opinion of leader of the UK Independence Party (UKIP) Nigel Farage
�: Follow the campaign at www.irishtimes.com/indepth/lisbon2009