Taoiseach appeals for Yes vote on fiscal treaty

TAOISEACH ENDA Kenny has appealed for a Yes vote on the European stability treaty saying it is vital to the State’s future.

In his keynote address to the ardfheis at the weekend he said an essential step in Ireland’s recovery would come with the referendum on May 31st.

“Throughout my recent visits to the United States, and to China this week, the consistent message from both political and business leaders is that they see Ireland’s place as a fully committed member of the euro zone as a crucial element of Irelands attractiveness as a location for investment. I cannot overstate it,” said Mr Kenny.

The referendum would offer a brilliant opportunity to say to the world that Ireland believed in the future of the euro, he added; that Ireland was central to the future of the euro zone, that Ireland was four-square with Europe in building a system that would bring responsible budgeting to euro governments and euro nations across the entire euro zone.

“This commitment is an investment in our children’s future, and in our country’s future. Never again will a government be able to behave recklessly and arrogantly with the people’s money,” said the Taoiseach.

He added that in recent months alone numerous multinational companies had shown their confidence in Ireland by committing to new investments here.

“I want to continue and grow this strong flow of inward investment in the future, for our future. I want Ireland to have the same access as other countries to the insurance policy of the ESM – a critical reassurance for investors.

“We can do this, we can achieve this by voting Yes,” he said.

He also said the Government had made some progress in reducing the penal burden on the Irish people of the previous government’s bailout of the banks.

He said the burden of debt on Ireland remained too heavy but insisted that the country would not renege on its international commitments.

“Ireland will not default, but we are determined to ease this burden on our people,” he said.

The Taoiseach said that steps the Government had taken in the first year had brought stability, but it recognised that some of its pledges had not been delivered.

“We had intended to legislate to end upward-only rent reviews. But this has proven to be impossible because of constitutional difficulties.”