The people of Multyfarnham, Co Westmeath, are challenging the Taoiseach to deliver democracy to their part of the world following the result of the referendum in which they all voted No.
They are not talking about the historic vote on the Belfast Agreement or, indeed, the result of the Amsterdam Treaty, but on their opposition to the erection of a telephone mast.
Local people were angry when they discovered that Eircell wanted to erect a 32-metre communications mast outside their town on land overlooking Lake Derravaragh. They held their own referendum to canvass opinion, polling 1,000 residents. The result was a resounding No to the project.
Now, according to Ann Keogh, whose family farm adjoins the proposed site, the locals want to see real democracy and a stop put to the mast's erection.
"I have personally written to the Taoiseach to let him know how the people voted on this issue and how we want changes in the legislation to ensure that people living within 10 miles of these developments get their say," she says.
"One of the terrible things about this proposed development is that the roadway which may be built to the mast is on the land of the late Gerry L'Estrange who worked so hard to have this area designated as an area of natural beauty.
"They want to build it on the highest point overlooking the wonderful lake which is associated with the Children of Lir. We want to keep this area beautiful for our children and to protect their health and we want this development stopped," she says, adding that the local Multyfarnham Community Against The Mast Committee will also oppose the erection of a 3Ometre Esat mast on the local Garda station for which permission is being sought.
Mrs Anne O'Hara, who runs Mornington House, a Heritage guest house near the village, says the development of the mast would have a very negative impact on tourism in the area.
"We are only building up the tourism trade here. Why should we allow the destruction of the natural beauty of the area which is part of the last bit of unspoiled Ireland?" she asks.
THE issue of the Multyfarnham mast is currently being considered by Westmeath County Council, which is dealing with several other applications where objections have been lodged.
The midlands has led the way in its opposition to the development of mast networks, and recently Laois County Council rejected planning permission for three masts there. It is currently considering applications for seven more.
Offaly County Council has refused planning permission for an Eircell mast at Cloghan Hill. It is currently considering Esat applications for antennae and cabins at Garda stations in Daingean, Rhode, Edenderry, Kinnitty, Clara and Cloghan.