29/07/2008

Opposition Opposes Lisbon Committee Proposal

Fine Gael and the Labour Party are believed to be threatening to combine in opposition to the formation of a Dáil committee to deal with the outcome of the Lisbon Treaty referendum.

The proposed committee is part of the Government's plan to navigate around the electorate's rejection of the referendum, and ease pressure from Europe to find a way to eventually implement the Treaty.

Reports this morning say Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny has given a "preliminary response" that a new cross-party body was not needed as the work could be done by existing committees.

The Labour Party has also reportedly said it is not convinced of the value of the proposed committee's work.

On Sunday, Labour party spokesman Joe Costello TD said an increasing percentage of voters were now opposed to the Lisbon Treaty, and that suggestions of a second referendum should not even be on the agenda.

Mr Costello said: "There must be a period of reflection, where all 27 countries participate collectively in seeking to determine a way forward.

"It appears that the European election in June 2009 can only take place under the Nice criteria.

"The sooner this is accepted by the Irish Government, and communicated by the Taoiseach to the rest of the Member States, the sooner progress can be made in looking to a broader solution in the future," he said.

(DW)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

07 February 2008
Ombudsman's Concern At Limited Children's Referendum
The Ombudsman for Children has said she is opposed to holding a limited referendum dealing only with child protection, which may run on the same day as the Lisbon Treaty referendum. Emily Logan said she did not support the calls to hold two separate referendums on children's rights and child protection.
25 May 2016
All-Party Committee To Explore Single Vision For Health
An all-party committee is to be established to devise a cross-party agreement on a single long-term vision for health care, Minister for Health Simon Harris has announced. In addition, the group will formulate the direction of health policy in Ireland.
29 August 2018
Scally Report Must Be Published 'As Promised'
The Labour Party has said that the Scally Report in Cervical Check must be published this Friday as promised, as "too many deadlines have been missed".
16 June 2010
Gilmore Criticised Over Welcoming Croke Park Agreement
The Labour party leader Eamon Gilmore has been criticised by the Government for welcoming the ratification of the Croke Park Agreement. The Public Services Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (Ictu) formally ratified the controversial Croke Park agreement on public service pay and reform yesterday by a margin of two to one.
22 October 2009
Labour Attacks Plans For Benefit Cuts
The Labour Party has attacked Government plans to cut the social welfare budget in the upcoming budget. According to the Labour party, the Government is planning to save €1.