26/08/2008
Roche Comments Turns Dáil Against Him
Comments by the Minister for European Affairs on the idea of a second Lisbon Treaty referendum have sparked fierce criticism from almost the entire house.
The major opposition parties united against the comments by Dick Roche, who suggested a rerun of the Lisbon Treaty was the best way out of the European political stalemate.
However, Sinn Féin, the only Dáil party opposed to the Treaty, Fine Gael and Labour all insisted another vote was not an option.
Fine Gael European Affairs Spokesperson, Lucinda Creighton TD, said: "Unfortunately, Dick Roche's remarks smack of arrogance and an inability to recognise the sensitivity surrounding the Lisbon Treaty.
"It is clear that the Irish people said 'No' and that verdict must be respected.
Meanwhile, in a statement, Labour's Joan Burton TD described Mr Roche's comments as "unhelpful" and "unwise".
"It is only three months since the Irish people voted to reject the Treaty and politicians have to respect the verdict of the electorate. There can be no question of simply putting the same proposition to the people once again. There is no basis for believing that a second referendum would produce a different outcome to the one we got on June 12th," she said.
Despite the opposition, Minister Roche defended his comments, although conceded his position was not widely supported, evidenced by the lack of support from his own party.
'My personal view is that a referendum is the appropriate response to the position we are in," Mr Roche told an Irish newspaper. He added: "This is very much a personal view at this stage."
(DW/JM)
The major opposition parties united against the comments by Dick Roche, who suggested a rerun of the Lisbon Treaty was the best way out of the European political stalemate.
However, Sinn Féin, the only Dáil party opposed to the Treaty, Fine Gael and Labour all insisted another vote was not an option.
Fine Gael European Affairs Spokesperson, Lucinda Creighton TD, said: "Unfortunately, Dick Roche's remarks smack of arrogance and an inability to recognise the sensitivity surrounding the Lisbon Treaty.
"It is clear that the Irish people said 'No' and that verdict must be respected.
Meanwhile, in a statement, Labour's Joan Burton TD described Mr Roche's comments as "unhelpful" and "unwise".
"It is only three months since the Irish people voted to reject the Treaty and politicians have to respect the verdict of the electorate. There can be no question of simply putting the same proposition to the people once again. There is no basis for believing that a second referendum would produce a different outcome to the one we got on June 12th," she said.
Despite the opposition, Minister Roche defended his comments, although conceded his position was not widely supported, evidenced by the lack of support from his own party.
'My personal view is that a referendum is the appropriate response to the position we are in," Mr Roche told an Irish newspaper. He added: "This is very much a personal view at this stage."
(DW/JM)
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Cowen Avoids Commitment On Collective Bargaining
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Cowen Avoids Commitment On Collective Bargaining
The Taoiseach has failed to say collective bargaining in the workplace, enshrined in the Lisbon Treaty, will be extended to workers in Ireland. Responding to a call from the country's largest trade union, Brian Cowen was unable to give a commitment to the SIPTU before it could recommend a yes vote to its members.
16 February 2009
Survey Reveals Ireland Would Back Second Lisbon Vote
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07 February 2008
Ombudsman's Concern At Limited Children's Referendum
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Ombudsman's Concern At Limited Children's Referendum
The Ombudsman for Children has said she is opposed to holding a limited referendum dealing only with child protection, which may run on the same day as the Lisbon Treaty referendum. Emily Logan said she did not support the calls to hold two separate referendums on children's rights and child protection.
25 August 2008
Roche Lends Support To Second Lisbon Referendum Proposal
The European Affairs Minister has said he supports having a second referendum on the Lisbon Treaty. Dick Roche (pictured) said although the Government has yet to make a decision on the matter, his own personal view is that a re-run of the Treaty referendum would be the "appropriate response" to the Ireland's European troubles.
Roche Lends Support To Second Lisbon Referendum Proposal
The European Affairs Minister has said he supports having a second referendum on the Lisbon Treaty. Dick Roche (pictured) said although the Government has yet to make a decision on the matter, his own personal view is that a re-run of the Treaty referendum would be the "appropriate response" to the Ireland's European troubles.
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