15/04/2008

German Leader Asks Irish To Vote For Treaty

Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany, has pleaded with the Irish people to vote 'yes' in the upcoming Lisbon referendum.

The German leader spoke during her visit to the Irish capital on Monday, meeting both Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny.

Speaking about the referendum, which goes to the ballot box on June 12, Ms Merkel said: "To all the sceptics, I can only tell you please vote for this treaty, as it strengthens the rights of citizens."

She added that the treaty would improve the functioning of the European Union and would allow Europe to be more effective in tackling global issues like climate change and energy supplies.

Anti-Lisbon campaigners are however concerned about the creation of a "European Superstate".

On Monday, anti-Lisbon group Libertas accused the government of a U-Turn in policy, claiming the arrival of Ms Merkel contravened the governments previous policy halting visits from nation leaders during the run up to important European votes.

A spokesman for the group said: "Those supporting the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty have conducted a rather spectacular 180 degree turn on the issue of foreign interference in the Irish referendum."

The group's chairman, Chairman Declan Ganley, said the visits were "clearly intended to boost support for the Lisbon Treaty" and would be conducted in the "most message-controlled manner possible".

Mr Ganley added that the gushing welcome afforded to the two would be in stark contrast to the stern warnings from the 'Yes' campaign last December that foreign special interests would try to interfere in the Irish referendum process.

(DW/JM)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

08 July 2009
Second Lisbon Referendum For October
The Taoiseach has announced in the Dáil that the second referendum on the Lisbon Treaty will take place on Friday 2 October.
04 September 2009
Lisbon Is 'Significant Challenge'
The Minister for Foreign Affairs has today admitted the Government faces a "significant challenge" to get the Lisbon Treaty ratified in the upcoming October 2nd vote.
01 May 2012
FG Calls For A Strong 'Yes' Vote In The Stability Treaty Referendum
The Taoiseach today said that a Yes vote in the Stability Treaty Referendum will send a strong signal to companies that Ireland is the right country in which to invest.
23 June 2008
Pope Visit In Time For 'Yes' Vote?
Sunday’s announcement that Dublin will host the 50th international Eucharistic Congress in 2012 has sparked renewed speculation of a papal visit next year.
01 October 2008
Mini EC 'Summit' For Cowen
Speculation over a Lisbon Treaty vote re-run in Ireland is likely to intensify this week with news that Taoiseach Brian Cowen and French President Nicolas Sarkozy are meeting in Paris today.