31/07/2008

Revelation Sparks Lisbon 'Blame Game'

Figures released in an Irish newspaper have sparked a vicious row between the major political parties on who was to blame for the failed Lisbon Treaty campaign.

The figures show Fianna Fáil spent just under €115,000 worth of advertising, compared to over €130,000 by Labour, and €485,000 by Fine Gael.

Fianna Fáil jumped to its defence with Foreign Affairs Minister Michéal Martin claiming Fianna Fáil decided to invest most of its referendum budget on posters and leaflets rather than advertising.

The figures also show that anti Lisbon group 'Libertas' took out more commercial advertising than all the parties combined.

A Libertas spokesperson was said this cost them less than the full commercial value of €912,000 because of discounts, but the lead over the political parties is still striking.

The figures follow speculation that one of the root causes for the Treaty's defeat was a reluctance for parties to go canvassing during the campaign.

A Sunday Business Post poll after the Lisbon referendum showed that a massive 86% of voters were not contacted by either side.

(DW)(BMcC)

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