LISBON TREATY:IRISH PEOPLE should use their vote in next month's referendum on the Lisbon Treaty to determine the future of the State and not to punish the Government, the leader of Europe's largest political party has said during a visit to Dublin.
Wilfried Martens, a founder and president of the European People’s Party (EPP), of which Fine Gael is a member, said the Yes campaign appeared more ‘‘active’’ this year but admitted there were challenges ahead of the October 2nd referendum.
‘‘The situation is complicated’’, the former Belgian prime minister told The Irish Times. ‘‘There is a very weak Government . . . and the main Opposition party is confronted with the situation that they have to convince voters that they have to vote not about politicians – that is for the next time – but on the future of their country.’’
Mr Martens referred to the benefits Ireland enjoys as a result of EU membership. ‘‘Smaller countries, like my country Belgium and Ireland have real influence at participating in the decision making in a globalised world. Our countries alone could do nothing,’’ he said.
The EPP leader argued that the Lisbon Treaty was an ‘‘absolute necessity for Europe today’’ as it confronts global challenges such as the financial crisis, climate change and crime.
Asked what he thought might happen if Ireland again rejects the treaty, Mr Martens replied: ‘‘It is not a question of revenge . . . We will still work on the basis of the Treaty of Nice, and there will be an enormous interrogation, an enormous debate within the EU on what to do next.’’
The EPP leader criticised arguments made by some No campaign groups in relation to abortion and conscription, noting that these concerns had been addressed in the guarantees secured by the Government following last year’s referendum.
‘‘We have to contradict and oppose such false arguments . . . All this has been consecrated in legally binding guarantees for your country. You cannot lie about these guarantees,’’ he said.
Mr Martens launched his political autobiography, Europe: I Struggle, I Overcome, at the National Museum earlier this week.