Business groups urge Yes vote

A number of business organisations today called for a Yes vote in the upcoming Lisbon referendum.

The Irish Small & Medium Enterprises Association (Isme) said passing the referendum was essential to maintain the country's international reputation and that the interests of small business were best served by ratification.

In a statement today, Isme chairman Eilis Quinlan said: ¿It is now more important than ever that Ireland remains a pivotal constituent of the European project. Our support of the Lisbon Treaty will allow us retain our role in Europe and assist in developing our business relationships within and outside the Union.

¿It is hugely important, not only for this generation but for the generations to come, that the Irish people, including those in the business community, safeguard the hard-earned positive reputation that we have developed within the Union,¿ she said.

Ryanair has again urged a vote for the treaty, declaring that its growth to become one of Ireland's largest employers was thanks to the European Union¿s policy of airline deregulation and the introduction of competition to the air transport sector of the internal EU market.

¿Ireland¿s growth and prosperity is substantially due to our membership of the European Union and the euro. A return to economic growth and rising employment will only be possible in Ireland if we vote 'Yes' to remain at the heart of Europe. A Yes vote on 2nd October is a vote for Irish jobs, growth and a prosperous future for Ireland,¿ chief executive Michael O'Leary said.

The airline is to spend €500,000 on advertising and cheaper airline seats in its campaign for a Yes vote in the Lisbon referendum, Mr O¿Leary said yesterday.

Elsewhere, an organisation comprising the State's largest accountancy bodies also called for a pro-Lisbon vote.

Tom Fitzpatrick, chairman of the Consultative Committee of Accountancy Bodies - Ireland, said the general business case for a Yes vote in this referendum had already been made.

"We are an open economy that exports 80 per cent of our output, over 60 per cent to the European Union. Our EU and euro membership has been a rare source of stability for Ireland¿s business community in what has been a difficult year," he said.

"The accountancy profession has a particular interest in Ireland being represented strongly in Europe. The parameters governing company law, financial reporting and our audit regulatory systems are all substantially set in Europe."