Citizens Cast Vote On Fiscal Treaty

Irish people will vote today on a European fiscal treaty designed to strengthen the euro.

Around 3.1 million people will have the right to vote, and the results will begin to be announced on Friday morning.

Fianna Fáil TD Charlie McConalogue has said that a Yes vote in the Fiscal Treaty referendum is the best way to ensure that Ireland's focus in Europe turns to getting a deal on bank debt restructuring.

The Donegal North East Deputy said: “A Yes vote is the only way to we can be certain of having enough funding from 2014 and onwards as it would guarantee us access to the European Stability Mechanism (ESM).

“By voting Yes we can be certain of access to cost price financial support to fund vital public services in Donegal like our hospitals, schools, the gardaí and our social welfare system.   A Yes vote will also help to focus efforts after the referendum on restructuring our banking debt and implementing growth measures to create jobs in Donegal and across the country.

“A No vote on the other hand would mean that the country’s energy would be focused on lobbying other EU countries to find a way to meet our funding needs as a result of not having access to the ESM.   It would give other lenders an opportunity to put additional conditions on any funding secured and it would put Ireland very much on the negotiating back foot.   It is also likely that we would be charged a much higher rate of interest than the rate available through the ESM.

“This Treaty will not cure all our economic woes but it will lead to a more stable euro currency as all countries will be agreeing to sensible budgeting practices and will not be able to over-borrow in the future.  It is one step towards getting our economy back on track."

However, Sinn Féin president, Gerry Adams TD appealed to all citizens to "vote no".
He said: "This referendum is really important for you, your family and for Ireland.

“The Austerity Treaty will not solve the Eurozone crisis. It will put into the constitution the failed policies that have caused so much hardship in Ireland and which are being rejected by people right across Europe.

“I ask Irish citizens not to be bullied, not to give their democratic rights away, not to give up their say over Irish economic policy and not to write austerity into the Constitution.

“A strong No vote this Thursday will strengthen the hand of everyone, arguing for a better, fairer way forward through investment in jobs and growth.

“Voting No is the positive and the patriotic thing to do. Voting No means standing up for each other and standing up for Ireland. 
Vote No!”

Polling stations in the 43 constituencies stay open until 10pm with counting due to begin at 9am on Friday.

(CD)