Harney challenges No campaigners

Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney today challenged anti-Lisbon Treaty campaigners to debate the economic implications of voting No in the forthcoming referendum.

Speaking in Athlone this morning, the former Progressive Democrats leader said she believed that Ireland’s best interests in terms of investment and job creation are supported by a Yes vote next Thursday.

Ms Harney directly challenged leading anti-Lisbon campaigners including Declan Ganley, Joe Higgins and Mary Lou McDonald, to debate with her on how a No vote would serve Ireland in the future.

Making reference to her former role as Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the Minister questioned how anti-Lisbon campaigners could comment on the economic implications of the treaty when they lack experience of attracting investment into Ireland.

“Every one who has ever contributed to the work of Government in exercising power and getting results for Ireland in negotiations, treaties, investments and jobs is recommending a Yes vote.

That includes everyone, in every government, over nearly forty years. In Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, Labour, the Progressive Democrats and Green Party, said Ms Harney.

“There is no-one who has ever made the pitch for Ireland saying that the job will be made easier or more successful by a No vote.

“In fact, only the people who have never had to do that job for Ireland, or taken on the responsibilities of national Government, are recommending a No vote.

Ms Harney said that a No vote “queers our sales pitch to companies thinking about investing in Ireland as a base within Europe”.

“We need to continue to have Irish leaders working internationally to exercise power and influence for Ireland.

“Like other Ministers for Enterprise before, and like my two successors, I’ve done that job for Ireland.

“For many years, I made the sales pitch for investment in jobs in Ireland across the table in the boardrooms of international companies..I’ve made that sales pitch. I’ve had that one shot. I know what works. And I know what won’t work. And I have to say, with all due respect, Libertas and Mr Declan Ganley have not done this job for Ireland.

“Neither he, nor Joe Higgins, nor Mary Lou McDonald has ever made the sales pitch for Ireland and secured investment and jobs in this country,” said Ms Harney.