Lenihan admits Ireland "hit worst" by recession! (and ties it in with Lisbon vote

[ibis]

Probably until the our politicos and rest of the EU manage to get a yes to the Lisbon Treaty from the Irish voters.

Why? Is it broken beyond repair?

I thought there would be at least a good two or three decades worth in the last Treaty.

Well, in one sense one never has to reform anything. We need never have changed the Irish Constitution, for example, or left the UK.

No, I'm asking how long it's an option given the wish of the other member states to reform the system.

[myksav]

Well, in one sense one never has to reform anything. We need never have changed the Irish Constitution, for example, or left the UK.

No, I'm asking how long it's an option given the wish of the other member states to reform the system.

As posted before. Probably until the our politicos and rest of the EU manage to get a yes to the Lisbon Treaty from the Irish voters.

Or another, different EU Treaty is produced that is acceptable to a majority of voters here. (seeing as we're one of the few that require referenda for changes that effect our Constitution.)

[ibis]

As posted before. Probably until the our politicos and rest of the EU manage to get a yes to the Lisbon Treaty from the Irish voters.

Or another, different EU Treaty is produced that is acceptable to a majority of voters here. (seeing as we're one of the few that require referenda for changes that effect our Constitution.)

So, in fact, it's not really an option? Whatever else may happen you feel we won't actually be "sticking with Nice"?

[myksav]

Originally Posted by myksav
As posted before. Probably until the our politicos and rest of the EU manage to get a yes to the Lisbon Treaty from the Irish voters.

Or another, different EU Treaty is produced that is acceptable to a majority of voters here. (seeing as we're one of the few that require referenda for changes that effect our Constitution.)

So, in fact, it's not really an option? Whatever else may happen you feel we won't actually be "sticking with Nice"?

Seeing as the second line, new Treaty, isn't on the cards, no re-negotiation, the first line applies. So, it's "sticking with Nice".

[FutureTaoiseach]

What's your alternative? Pull out of the EU, lose ALL foreign investment, and end up bankrupt with the highest unemployment in the western world...

Voting YES keeps us at the centre of Europe and gives us the best chance of continuing to attract inward investment. It also gives IRISH companies access to a huge market of 500 million people.

Good thing the USA, UK, rest of EU and Australia weren't as small minded as you, and stopped us Irish living and working in their counties. Ever think of that?

The constitutional status-quo of EU and Euro membership is also an option, and will have none of the effects you mention. If investment is leaving Ireland, it is because of the failed ECB policies of excessively cheap-credit and failed FF policies designed to pump up the property-bubble. The Irish people will not accept any sly attempt to link the 2 issues, which constitute an arrogant attempt by FF and the Greens to blame the Irish people for their disasterous management of our economy. If the recession and the Treaty had been linked, French FDI would not have doubled in the 2 years after they voted no to the almost identical EU Constitution, and Dutch unemployment would not have fallen to 2% - the lowest in the EU at the time. This is a problem with roots in the US but in Ireland's case also in the ECB's and FF's disasterous policies. It is not the responsibility of the Irish people that we are in this mess. I no more consider being at what you call 'the centre of Europe' as having any greater appeal than being at the heart of the Reich or the center of the British empire. I don't want foreign powers telling the Irish people how to run their lives without our voice reduced to a mere 1% in the EP and Council of Ministers in terms of population-weight and voting-strength respectively. I don't want an unelected Cabinet in Brussels foisting legislation on Ireland that violates our interests, including the planned emissions policy that will discriminate against the Irish haulage industry. I simply ask for the right to elect those who legislate in my name. That's not pro or anti-European - it is pro-democracy. But at least it is clear where your priorities lie. You would rather accept a bad deal to be at 'the heart of Europe' than accept a good one that would retain the status-quo or strengthen a two-speed Europe. But that ignores the fact that there already is a multispeed Europe in respect of EMU, CFSP etc.

[An Gilladaker]

Lenihan admits Ireland hit worst! He blames exuberance and the housing markets! is he finally admitting the failed property policies of government? he goes on to tie our future recovery in with the upcoming Lisbon vote

Says unemployment will reach 12% and economy to contract by 6.5%

more here...

Ireland 'hit worst by recession' Finance minister downbeat about upturn as jobless rate heads for 12pc - National News, Frontpage - Independent.ie

A year has passed what has changed Mr Lenihan???

[petervalhala]

A year has passed what has changed Mr Lenihan???

Stabilisation in the unemployment rate; neccessary budget reductions have been made; Ireland is no longer viewed as being the bad boy in Europe, but the one to emulate; cost of CDS has dropped etc

[An Gilladaker]

Stabilisation in the unemployment rate; neccessary budget reductions have been made; Ireland is no longer viewed as being the bad boy in Europe, but the one to emulate; cost of CDS has dropped etc

What you mean is lots or rhetoric but no change