Taoiseach Heckled Over Lisbon In Kildare

The Taoiseach has been on the receiving end of some anti-Lisbon ill will by campaigners at the National Ploughing Championships in Co Kildare.

Supporters of Sinn Féin, who are taking an anti-Lisbon stance, and the recently formed Farmers Against Lisbon group encircled the Taoiseach yesterday as he made his way through the trade exhibition area.

Gardaí were forced to protect Mr Cowen from the jeering crowds as he was brought to the nearby food hall. Protestors shouted angry remarks about the impact that the Lisbon Treaty would have and his role in Government.

Speaking to RTÉ News about the incident, Mr Cowen said he had no problem with people voicing their views. However, he said they should do so in a civilised fashion.

Today, Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams along with Vice President Mary Lou McDonald and Dáil spokesperson on European Affairs Aengus Ó Snodaigh launched the party’s Alternative Guide to the Lisbon Treaty.

Speaking at the launch Gerry Adams said: "Last June the Irish people rejected the Lisbon Treaty and voted for a better deal for Ireland and the EU.

"Despite this, the government has failed to secure a single change to the text of the Lisbon Treaty. On October 2nd people are being asked to vote on exactly the same Treaty as they voted on last year with exactly the same implications for Ireland and the EU."

Meanwhile, despite a positive to start to the 'Yes' campaign, a new opinion poll has revealed opposition to the Treaty has grown in the last fortnight.

The Yes side is still comfortably ahead, but the TNS/mrbi poll in today's Irish Times shows that with one week to polling day, the No side has gained some ground, up four points to 33% since the last Irish Times poll two weeks ago, while 48% said they would vote Yes, an increase of two points.

However, when undecided voters are excluded, the Yes side leads by 59% to 41%.

(DW/GK)