Taoiseach Bertie Ahern's labelling of opponents of the Lisbon Treaty as "loo-laas" and the "looney left" has been criticised by opponents.
In Dublin yesterday, Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams said: "All of this name calling and silliness is no substitute for the type of considered discussion that is required on all of the implications of the Lisbon Treaty."
Calling on the Government to set a referendum date, Mr Adams said: "It is absolutely ridiculous that the Taoiseach has not named the date, so that a formal debate can commence on a treaty which is going to set the course for people on this part of the island for the next 20 years or so."
Meanwhile, former Green Party MEP Patricia McKenna has accused Mr Ahern of misrepresenting the Green Party's position on the treaty.
During a book launch he attended in Dublin on Wednesday night, Mr Ahern told business people "all sensible political parties in this country, which are Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, Labour, the Greens - who are joining us for the first time in voting for Europe - the Progressive Democrats, are all for it".
However, Ms McKenna said: "To claim that the Green Party is in favour of the Lisbon Treaty is utterly false and misleading and Mr Ahern knows this quite well.
"Green Party members, despite massive pressure from Government, did not vote to adopt a policy in favour of the Lisbon Treaty.
"While Mr Ahern may have succeeded in getting Greens in the Dáil and Seanad on side, the party has no official position and is not, as he says, 'for it'."
Meanwhile, Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey has called for a Yes vote because it would help to develop the Irish and European economies for years to come.
"Ireland has received €10 billion from the EU to upgrade our infrastructure networks since we became a member of the European Union.
"The EU has played a vital role in ensuring that Ireland could participate effectively within the European single market and within the European single currency regimes," Mr Dempsey added.
