ÓSF call on Donegal youth to reject treaty

Ógra Shinn Féin activists from Strabane, Donegal and Derry were in the border town of Lifford on Saturday 31st May to call on the young people of the area to come out in numbers on Thursday 12th June and give a resounding NO to the Lisbon treaty. The activists unveiled a new billboard on the main Lifford roundabout promoting the party’s no campaign. Also highlighted on the day was the denial of democracy for citizens residing in the six counties.


Speaking at the event, spokesperson for Strabane/Lifford Ógra Shinn Féin Seán Gillespie commented;

“As we approach the date set for the referendum on the Lisbon treaty in the 26 counties (June 12th), we in Ógra Shinn Féin are calling on the young people of Lifford and Donegal to exercise their democratic right and come out to vote”.

“There has always been a general feeling of apathy among young people towards the political process and politics as a whole. This is understandable given the bad press received by our young people, which has contributed to Ireland’s youth feeling increasingly marginalised by society. We feel that in order to enhance young people’s confidence in the political process we need to take some ownership of that process and make our voices heard. Whatever the outcome of this referendum it is inevitable that it will have a considerable impact on the lives of our young people in the future in some shape or form. That is why it is important for the youth to have their say”.

“We in Ógra Shinn Féin along with Sinn Féin are calling for a no vote in this referendum because we believe that the Lisbon treaty is a bad deal for Ireland. The militarization of an EU ‘superstate’, and the centralisation of vital powers out of the hands of member states are just two major issues that we are particularly concerned about”.

“We are also calling for citizens of the six counties to be allowed to vote in this referendum. Whether its accepted or rejected, the consequences of the Lisbon treaty will at some stage have an impact on the lives of people living in the north. The effects of this treaty will be particularly felt by those living in border communities such as Strabane, therefore it stands to reason that these people be allowed to participate in that democratic process. Vote wisely in this referendum, Reject the Lisbon treaty!”