THE GOVERNMENT failed to protect national interests during negotiations on the Lisbon Treaty, Sinn Féin MEP Mary Lou McDonald has claimed.
In an address to the Forum on Europe this week, she said a push to continue the centralisation of power in the European Union made absolutely no sense for Ireland, because the State would lose its automatic right to a commissioner.
This would leave the State without a voice at crucial times, she claimed.
"The treaty should be rejected in the upcoming referendum and EU leaders and Irish negotiators sent back to the drawing table," Ms McDonald said.
Sinn Féin believes a Yes vote on the treaty will lessen Irish input on future EU defence, security and economic policies and reduce the State's scope to stop decisions not in the national interest.
Ms McDonald said the ratification of the treaty would undermine foreign direct investment into the Irish economy.
She added that the Lisbon Treaty did not equip Ireland with the tools necessary for sustainable economic development as the State entered an uncertain time.
"I don't believe that a one-size-fits-all economic policy is what Ireland needs. Our economy is one of the most open in the western world and it looks as much west to the US as it does east to Europe.
"What is critical is that we develop a strategy for the next generation of jobs in the Irish economy. We need to integrate economies North and South, invest in indigenous business and create new ways to attract foreign direct business," she said.
Ms McDonald said acceptance of the treaty would lead to tax harmonisation and a common EU tax base, which she believes would impinge on Irish business.
"It is my firm belief that the system of taxation is a matter for this State to decide. The Government ought to have secured an opt out for Ireland on all taxation related matters. They failed to do so," she said.
