FINE GAEL leader Enda Kenny has asked his party supporters to vote for the country rather than against the Government in the second referendum to ratify the Lisbon Treaty.
Mr Kenny said that it would be very easy for him as leader of Fine Gael to sit back and allow the referendum to be dominated by domestic political issues.
“While I fully understand people’s anger, I do not want this crucial referendum to become a protest against the Government,” he said.
The Fine Gael leader was speaking at the launch of his party’s campaign for a Yes vote in the Gresham Hotel, Dublin, yesterday.
He said that he would spend 20 days canvassing on the road as part of a vigorous campaign by his party for a Yes vote. The party would conduct a house-to-house campaign explaining issues to the Irish people.
Expressing similar views to Taoiseach Brian Cowen, Mr Kenny said he did not contemplate the treaty being rejected on October 2nd, because the issues that were of concern last year had now been clarified.
He said that he also got a sense from speaking to people around the country that the mood towards the treaty has shifted towards the Yes side.
The treaty was designed to reform the institutions and the decision-making process of the EU, he said. People had to remember that there were now 27 member states and a population of 500 million.
Europe faced challenges from growing economic powers like China, Russia and India.
“I firmly believe that EU membership has been pivotal to Ireland’s success story. It has ended our economic dependence on Britain and opened up new and fruitful markets for Irish products,” he said.
He also said that in a time of economic uncertainty it was “more important than ever” that Ireland strengthened its place in the EU.
“The result of this referendum will have huge consequences, not just for Ireland, but for the entire European family of 500 million.
“We have a responsibility therefore to ensure that the debate is honest and rational, one based on the facts rather than misinformation.”
Mr Kenny also ruled out any joint campaign involving the Government. He and Labour Party leader Eamon Gilmore met Mr Cowen and Green Party leader John Gormley yesterday afternoon to discuss the referendum.
In what was described as a courtesy meeting, the leaders agreed to ensure that events they organise do not clash with those of other parties.
However, unlike last year, there will be no joint appearances between parties at media or public events. Mr Kenny said he was not considering any joint press conference, as happened last year with Mr Cowen and Mr Gilmore.
Strategists from all parties have since questioned the efficacy of that plan in the lead-up to last year’s referendum.