Ahern calls on EU leaders to allow treaty vote
Monday October 22 2007
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern yesterday delivered an astonishing rebuke to his fellow European leaders for "running away" from holding referendums on the new EU treaty.
In stinging comments, which will be seen as a rebuke to Britain's Gordon Brown in particular, Mr Ahern said countries shouldn't "be afraid" to hold a referendum if they believe in the EU.
"I think it's a bit upsetting ... to see so many countries running away from giving their people an opportunity," the Taoiseach said.
"If you believe in something ... why not let your people have a say in it. I think the Irish people should take the opportunity to show the rest of Europe that they believe in the cause, and perhaps others shouldn't be so much afraid of it," he added.
Ireland is the only country currently planning to hold a referendum on the EU reform treaty.
Britain was supposed to have a referendum vote on the treaty -- as promised by former Prime Minister Tony Blair.
But his successor, Mr Brown, now says a referendumis not needed -- because the new document does not radically alter the way Britain is governed and because he has secured opt-outs or so-called "red lines" in key areas.
Meanwhile, Independent MEP Kathy Sinnott is to campaign against the treaty.
Independent MEP, Marian Harkin, meanwhile has indicated that she will probably support it.
"I want to see ... it in detail first," she said.
- Fionnan Sheahan and Ralph Riegel
