Cabinet at odds over June date for Lisbon poll rerun
Friday February 13 2009
THE Cabinet has debated bringing forward the date for the second referendum on the Lisbon Treaty, the Irish Independent can reveal.
Ministers have considered holding the poll on the same day as the local and European elections -- Friday, June 5.
A majority opinion within the Cabinet believes the move could prove too risky if it is seen as a stunt. Taoiseach Brian Cowen has already indicated the poll will be held in October.
Sources said last night that Green Party ministers John Gormley and Eamon Ryan are more positively disposed than others towards bringing forward the date by four months.
Critics point out that it would mean a legislative rush to get the necessary enabling act through the Dail, and could be open to charges of guillotining debate -- or that the Government misled the public with suggestions of an autumn poll.
Proponents maintain that the idea has merits, not least that it would completely wrong-foot Libertas. Anti-treaty activist Declan Ganley is planning to run candidates in a number of member states in the European elections as a curtain-raiser to a resumed campaign against the treaty later in the year.
Disasters
Voices in favour of a snap poll suggest there is a 'new realism' among the electorate in the wake of a series of economic disasters, and that the Government should capitalise now on opinion poll findings suggesting that the treaty would pass easily in current conditions.
Some Fianna Fail ministers, understood to include Micheal Martin, are doubtful about the wisdom of attempting to surf the current wave of sentiment running in favour of the treaty.
No Cabinet decision has been taken on the issue, and ministers have progressed no further than initial exchanges of views on the matter, the Irish Independent has been told.
- Senan Molony Deputy Political Editor
