Sir, - As one who intends to vote Yes in the upcoming referendum on the Fiscal Treaty (I see it as the less worse option) I am dismayed at the torpor evident in the Government’s advocacy of it so far, leaving the No campaign almost out of sight over the horizon.
I know it is inhibited by the bizarre Supreme Court ruling that prevents a government campaigning in favour of a proposal it deems essential in the national interest, but the two parties, and Fianna Fáil for that matter, should by now be exhibiting some energy in their campaign for a Yes vote.
I am also appalled by their pusillanimous behaviour as they put the blame on “Brussels” for the various tax proposals and expenditure cuts they are putting forward instead of accepting responsibility themselves and defending them on their merits as necessary measures. A property tax and payment for the provision of clean water, both of which are long overdue, are cases in point. But by seeking to shift the blame for what are undoubtedly unpopular measures on to the EU they are increasing antipathy to that organisation which will do little to help the referendum to pass.
Truly, it appears that this Government has a death wish. - Yours, etc,
Sir, – An Taoiseach Enda Kenny states that the Fiscal Treaty is like an insurance policy which we must have; Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney asserts that it is as essential as a lifeboat on a ship.
Fine, but imagine an insurance policy which insists on one having a lifeboat, but due to financial restrictions, prevents one from carrying out the necessary repairs to keep the ship seaworthy.
This concept does not make sense, I will be voting No.