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23/10/2008
50-50 Broadcast Rules On Lisbon To Be Changed
A special Oireachtas Committee is to look at changing the existing obligation on broadcasters to give equal air-time to both sides in any future referendum campaign.
Presently, all broadcasters are obliged to give coverage on a 50-50 basis to voices from both sides of the argument in the run-up to a referendum, but the Committee on the Constitution is now seeking submissions from the public on whether this should be changed.
Fianna Fail TD Sean Ardagh, who chairs the committee, has denied that the move is a subtle attempt to justify a second referendum on the Lisbon Treaty.
The Treaty was rejected by voters in June, despite the fact that all the main political parties were calling for a 'Yes' vote.
Many observers believe the 'No' vote won the day due to an inflation of influence for minority pressure groups, such as Libertas.
The European Council in Lisbon agreed the final terms on the Treaty, with legal experts last week, with a few last minute concessions made to ensure the signing of the Treaty by Poland.
Ratification by all the member states is due by the end of the year. So far 24 of the 27 states have put through their ratifications in their various parliaments, with only Ireland, Sweden, and the Czech Republic yet to follow suit.
(DW)
Presently, all broadcasters are obliged to give coverage on a 50-50 basis to voices from both sides of the argument in the run-up to a referendum, but the Committee on the Constitution is now seeking submissions from the public on whether this should be changed.
Fianna Fail TD Sean Ardagh, who chairs the committee, has denied that the move is a subtle attempt to justify a second referendum on the Lisbon Treaty.
The Treaty was rejected by voters in June, despite the fact that all the main political parties were calling for a 'Yes' vote.
Many observers believe the 'No' vote won the day due to an inflation of influence for minority pressure groups, such as Libertas.
The European Council in Lisbon agreed the final terms on the Treaty, with legal experts last week, with a few last minute concessions made to ensure the signing of the Treaty by Poland.
Ratification by all the member states is due by the end of the year. So far 24 of the 27 states have put through their ratifications in their various parliaments, with only Ireland, Sweden, and the Czech Republic yet to follow suit.
(DW)
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