Where does Labour stand on EU Treaty Referendum? – Dooley

Published on: 31 January 2012


Fianna Fáil TD Timmy Dooley has called on the Tánaiste and Labour Leader Eamon Gilmore to clarify his party’s position on whether a referendum on the new EU Fiscal Treaty should be held.

Deputy Dooley, who is a Member of the European Affairs Committee, said: ‘I welcome the comments from Labour deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin supporting a referendum on the text which the Taoiseach agreed and signed up to in Brussels.

Speaking on Today with Pat Kenny (RTÉ Radio One) last Friday Deputy Ó Riordáin said “whatever comes out of these discussions [EU Informal Meeting 30/1/12], and whatever text we get on Monday, I think it needs to go to the people.”

Deputy Dooley said: “Deputy Ó Riordáin has taken a very constructive view of this issue.  A majority of people in the country want an opportunity to have their say on this issue and the Government should not deny them that.  In light of Deputy Ó Riordáin’s position and the fact that there may be others in the Labour Party who share his view, I think the Tánaiste should clarify his own party’s position as a matter of urgency.

“If we have learned anything from referendum campaigns in recent years it is that when people are engaged with on important issues they will listen.  I don’t take the view of Minister Varadkar, and perhaps it is shared by some of his colleagues in Government, that referendums are undemocratic.  The Taoiseach has said he does not fear a referendum on this Treaty, if that is the case then he should announce the Government’s intention to hold one.”

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