Technicality Could Force Referendum On Treaty

Independent TDs could use a constructional anomaly to force a referendum on last week's European Treaty, according to a South West TD.

In recent days, Opposition parties and Independent TDs have been calling for a public decision on the controversial treaty agreement. However, it has emerged that Under Article 27 of the Constitution, a Bill can be referred to a referendum if requested by at least one third of the Dáil, and a majority of the Seanad.

Meanwhile, The Irish Times has claimed the 'fiscal compact' agreed by EU leaders on Monday was "specifically crafted" to minimise the prospect of a referendum in Ireland.

The paper says that a high-level European official revealed elements of the pact were written with the objective of avoiding a public vote in Ireland.

The news comes only a day after Fianna Fail announced they will be taking legal advice over the signing of the EU treaty as it was not signed by all members.

In a statement by the party's leader, Micheál Martin called on the Taoiseach to immediately publish whatever work he consulted on the impact of the Treaty’s provisions and the legal advice that he relied upon before agreeing to sign it.

Mr Martin said: "If, as it appears, the amended text requires Ireland to adopt fiscal controls which cannot be amended during the budget process this can only be done through the constitution.

"We will be seeking our own legal advice on the text, but our position remains that the people must be consulted on any significant change to our position in Europe."

(DW)