Dublin Government Deceit on Lisbon Slammed by Ógra Shinn Féin

Ógra Shinn Féin national organiser Barry McColgan has slammed Irish government plans to force a yes vote on the Lisbon treaty through ‘deceit’ and through help by ‘partners’ including the European commission. Described in a leaked Irish Government Email a senior diplomat described the treaty as "largely incomprehensible to the lay reader".

The email also allegedly wanted European Union announcements which could be unpopular in Ireland to be held over until after a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty. It is alleged to come from a senior official at the British Embassy in Dublin, sent on 29 February to the Foreign Office in London.

It also revealed that the Irish government planned to fight the referendum by playing up the benefits of the European Union, without focussing on the detail of the treaty, which is "largely incomprehensible to the lay reader".

The email also states "Most people would not have time to study the text and would go with the politicians they trusted."

Ógra Shinn Fein Barry McColgan said the Email showed the vindictiveness of the Irish government:

“On one hand they are telling the people that the Lisbon treaty is good for Ireland and on the other hand they are using its ambiguity to sell it to Irish People. Telling the EU to hold off on controversial measures until after the treaty is an utter disgrace, this is coming from a government claiming to represent Ireland’s best interests.

“The fact that the email said that "other partners", including the European Commission, "were playing a helpful, low-profile role" is an alarming yet not surprising development.”

Mr McColgan also urged voters to vote against the treaty

“In an opinion poll commissioned by a newspaper on Monday it found that still 60% of the electorate hadn’t decided which way they are going to vote during the treaty this summer. The vagueness of the treaty in my opinion explains the high number of people who are undecided. This tells us that we must mobilise effectively and spread the message that Lisbon must be rejected, and exactly why. Indeed as has been shown it’s a story the Irish government would rather have the people not hear."