The Green Party has argued that the guarantees that Ireland had received on retaining the State’s military neutrality are cast-iron and cannot be altered by the Lisbon Treaty.
In the party’s last press conference before polling , Green leader John Gormley yesterday described as “utterly without foundation” claims that Irish people will be conscripted into a European army.
Mr Gormley said the claim was first made last year and was still being voiced on national radio today. He said that the propaganda of the No side has worked to some degree but insisted the claim had no truth.
“And on the whole question of military spending, it’s clear that the guarantees we have received is that Ireland is the author of its own destiny in that regard,” he said.
“We are proud that the guarantees we have introduced ensures that Ireland only participates in [operations] that are in line with the UN charter, that have a UN mandate and are approved by the Oireachtas and Government.”
Mr Gormley, the Minister for Energy Eamon Ryan and Senator Deirdre de Búrca said at the conference that another key reason to back the treaty was because of its direct references to combating climate change.
Mr Gormley said that the clauses on climate change had been specifically inserted into the treaty at the insistence of his party.
Mr Ryan said that if there is a Yes vote on Friday, it will pave the way for economic recovery. “The recovery starts on Saturday,” he said.
Mr Ryan also argued that a Yes vote was necessary if Irish people wanted to tackle climate change and to switch over from fossil fuel.