From:
http://www.rte.ie/news/2007/1127/eu.html
I assume this is just a standard practice or is the government trying to wiggle out of holding a referendum ? The implication is that they won't hold it unless necessary.[Dick Roche] said the Government had sought formal legal advice from the Attorney General on whether or not a referendum was needed and they were awaiting a reply. Mr Roche said he expects this reply to be positive.
They don't necessarily have to hold one. The only reason they would have to is under the Crotty v. An Taoiseach Supreme Court ruling which stated that a change in the scope or purpose of the EU requires a referendum in Ireland. Scope and purpose are of course quite subjective.
Of course we do.
Do we actually need a Treaty?
Yes, just not that one.Originally Posted by Ard-Taoiseach
I'd say their cacking it by this stage so a decision against holding one from the AG on this would be a relief for Ahern & Roche etc.
Even if they don't hold one I take it that decision could be appealed to the SC?
There is a serious possibility that the Government could lose this Referendum as its almost impossible to sell to the plain people of Ireland as of any benefit to us at all.
Which one? The one...ya know...over there?Yes, just not that one.
It'd be hard to believe that they would try to bypass the people on this one. That would result in a super-kicking in 2009
The one I'm writing!
Cool, I'll vote Tá, Tá, o mo Dhia, Tá on that one!
