Ireland Could Lose Veto At Trade Talks

Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty speaking during a Seanad debate on the World Trade Organisation (WTO) talks said that if the Lisbon Treaty is passed Ireland will lose its veto on international trade agreements.

"Given the agenda being pursued by Peter Mandelson and the EU Commission this loss of veto will have serious consequences for Irish farming. And the situation will be made worse with the loss of a permanent Irish Commissioner," said Mr Doherty.

"On June 12 the Irish people will go to the polls and whatever happens on that day Ireland's place in Europe is secure.

"Over the last number of weeks there has been a lot of commentary but very little debate about the facts in relation to the Lisbon Treaty.

"I welcome the opportunity to make some comments about the current WTO talks and the implications for Irish farming in future talks if the Lisbon Treaty is passed.

"It is clear that there is a great deal of confusion about the contents of the Lisbon Treaty including among senior government Ministers."

This 'confusion' has a led to myriad of stances being adopted by the various unions for Irish workers, which Sinn Fein insists will be worse off by the implementation of the treaty pending a yes vote.

On Thursday, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions called on its members to vote Yes in the Lisbon Treaty referendum with a 14 to 5 in favour.

Unite and the TEEU voted against supporting it, whilst SIPTU and Mandate abstained from voting at all.

SIPTU, which represents about a third of ICTU's membership, will decide on its position next week.

However, ICTU General Secretary David Begg has said it remains to be seen if the 600,000 strong membership takes heed of the advice of Congress.

(DW)