EU SUMMIT:THE LEADERS of the two main opposition parties, Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin, have issued separate calls for a referendum on Europe's new fiscal compact.
“I think there is a case for consulting with the people in relation to this treaty,” Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin told reporters at Leinster House.
He said this should take place irrespective of the legal position, adding that, on EU issues, there was “an absolute need to bring the people with you at crucial junctures on the journey towards recovery and renewal”.
“Over the last 12 months, let’s face it, the public at large have issues around Europe, and so on,” he said. “We’re a pro-European Union party and we believe we should consult the people.”
He added: “The Irish people have been very supportive of the European Union. There are challenges here, but it makes sense that we take the people with us.”
Mr Martin warned that, “if you ignore the people too much, you do so at your peril”.
In a press statement later, the Fianna Fáil leader called on the Government to publish immediately the advice and impact assessments it received on the fiscal and economic implications of the pact.
“We need to be aware of the exact limitations being placed on Ireland in this treaty,” he said.
Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams said Irish citizens must have their say and if the Government sought to avoid a referendum his party would pursue all options to ensure one took place.
“Irish citizens must have their say on a treaty with such far-reaching implications for this country. Irrespective of what advice the Government gets from the Attorney General, a referendum is now a democratic imperative,” he said.
“Sinn Féin is receiving independent legal advice on this issue. If the Government, as it appears likely, seeks to avoid a referendum then Sinn Féin will actively pursue all possible options, including the legal option, to ensure that Irish citizens have their say.”
Green Party leader Eamon Ryan said: “In keeping with the democratic tradition of our own party we will take some days to examine the details of the agreement and the need for a referendum.”
He added: “While we have yet to establish our position I would welcome the chance to have a referendum, confident that the Green Party would be able to contribute to it in an honest way.”
Socialist Party MEP Paul Murphy said his party was “taking legal advice” and he was “considering a court challenge in the event that the Government attempts to evade its democratic obligation”.
Campaign group the People’s Movement said it would be “an affront to what is left of our national democracy and political independence” if the Government attempted to ratify the treaty without a referendum.
