Roche condemns SF attitude to EU treaty as 'bizarre'

MINISTER OF State for European Affairs Dick Roche has castigated Sinn Féin for its "bizarre" opposition to the Lisbon Treaty, claiming it had fought "tooth and nail" against Ireland joining Europe but was still proclaiming to be committed to the EU.

In renewed criticism of the only party in the Dáil to oppose the treaty, he said it was "trying to have it both ways" and accused the party and "the ad hoc opponents that spring up around each referendum" of creating "a bumper crop of myths".

During the ongoing debate on the 28th Amendment to the Constitution Bill, which provides for the referendum to be held, Minister for Justice Brian Lenihan said those opposed to the treaty "seem to be offering a march towards isolation and economic decline - an Albanianisation of Ireland".

The chairman of the Irish Alliance for Europe, Ruairí Quinn, (Lab, Dublin South-East) said it was not the best treaty around, but "it is the only Europe around".

Mr Quinn, who shared Labour Party speaking time with Sinn Féin, said the treaty was "plan Z, not plan A or B" and "those who state, 'Vote No for a better Europe' are actually stating, 'Vote No to stop Europe in its tracks'".

But Sinn Féin foreign affairs spokesman Aengus Ó Snodaigh said that "contrary to what the Government has claimed, no matter how many people vote No in the referendum, Ireland's future place in the EU will be secure. The fact is that one can support the EU and be against the Lisbon Treaty."

He claimed the treaty was a "bad deal. It was badly negotiated and is a bad result for the Irish people. It gives the EU too much power and reduces Ireland's ability to stop decisions that are not in our interests. It is shameful that the Government has signed up to and is now advocating ratification of a treaty which undermines the interest of the Irish people."

Mr Ó Snodaigh also claimed that Ireland's position as militarily neutral had been systematically undermined by the Government, which "did not even try to secure recognition of the rights and responsibilities of EU neutrals" in the treaty.

He also claimed Mr Roche was "in denial" in insisting there was no European army and said it would cost Ireland €40 million this year because of the EU's "military adventures" in Chad.

Mr Roche said "this is a balanced treaty that represents a particularly good deal for the small and medium-sized member states. The latter point should be borne in mind by those who mindlessly sloganise about voting No to get a better Yes. There is no chance, nor is there a need, for a better Yes; this treaty is good for Europe and great for Ireland."

Sinn Féin had consistently peddled the myth for 35 years that ratification of EU treaties would erode Ireland's security.

The truth "is that our Constitution prohibits participation in any common defence. It is a pity that Sinn Féin, having reluctantly and only recently recognised Bunreacht na hÉireann, would not take the time to read it."

Mr Lenihan said those who opposed the treaty had a right to do so.

"That is what democracy is all about. However, I firmly believe that their arguments must be valid, based on fact and relate to what is contained in the proposed treaty. Their arguments must not be based on exaggerated and untrue claims that are intended to scare the electorate and create an atmosphere of fear."