Dunphy cites poor economy as reason for treaty change of heart
At the launch of the Ireland for Europe campaign in Temple Bar, Dublin, yesterday were, back row from left: rugby legend Denis Hickie, broadcaster Eamon Dunphy, campaign director Pat Cox, O2 Arena owner and businessman Harry Crosbie and environmentalist Duncan Stewart. Front row from left: managing director at Special Olympics Europe Mary Davis, musician Barry Devlin, campaign chairwoman Professor Brigid Laffan and musician and composer Bill Whelan.
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Monday September 07 2009
FORMER 'No' voter Eamon Dunphy yesterday told how he changed camps for one reason -- the struggling economy.
Explaining his decision to switch sides, the outspoken pundit said he was driven by this "one significant reason" and the difference it would make to jobs and livelihoods.
He admitted that there were good reasons to be sceptical about Europe but urged people to set aside their reservations. Mr Dunphy criticised "poor leadership", including Taoiseach Brian Cowen for previously failing to read the treaty and European Commissioner Charlie McCreevy for claiming that people in most EU countries would reject it.
He was speaking at a rally held by branches of the Ireland for Europe campaign, which launched its 'Yes' vote drive in Temple Bar, Dublin, yesterday. His emotive pro-treaty speech follows an appearance on 'the Late Late Show' earlier this year when he welled up with tears when talking about the sorry state of the former Celtic Tiger economy.
Children with pro-treaty balloons and toddlers with 'Vote Yes' stickers on their raincoats braved the wintry conditions as former President of the European Parliament Pat Cox and an army of supporters took to the stage.
Among them were Mary Davis of Special Olympics Europe, former Wexford hurling manager Liam Griffin and environmentalist Duncan Stewart, who addressed a crowd that included former Taoiseach Dr Garret FitzGerald.
"I voted 'No' in the last referendum and make no apologies for that," Mr Dunphy told them. He said when the facts changed he was prepared to change his mind, and his most important reason was the economy.
Campaign Director Pat Cox said the country's decision next month would have consequences that would last for a generation. "In EU membership, we have found a winning formula. Let's not risk discarding it."
The chairwoman of the campaign, UCD Professor Brigid Laffan, warned that a rejection of the treaty would lead to a two-speed Europe, with Ireland in the second tier.
"Having given legally binding guarantees on issues of concern to Irish voters, the rest of Europe will now want to move on and deal with the very real problems we face in the 21st century," she said.
- Anne-Marie Walsh
