Why should we vote Yes to the Lisbon Treaty?

[Ard-Taoiseach]

I've been reading the arguments and debates across this site about the Reform Treaty(now Lisbon) with great interest over the past few weeks.

The site owner(obviously) is against this treaty, supported in this contention by the likes of FutureTaoiseach.

Other posters like smiffy seem to be quite in favour of the new treaty being put before us to vote on in around Summer of next year.

The impression I get is that people like smiffy spend their time simply rebutting the claims made by the likes of FutureTaoiseach, but not putting forward their own reasons for voting yes.

Considering that this site is intended to be balanced in its treatment of this topic, I thought I'd start a thread devoted to reasons to voting Yes, for all to read and see.

To declare my own interest, I'm in two minds, as I can't make my mind up fully. I am inclined to the No side merely because we are the only country in the EU to hold a referendum. If this treaty is so good for us and unthreatening, why are Europe's leaders so afraid to put it to a vote across the EU?

I await the responses eagerly.

[rockofcashel]

because if we don't we are racist/greedy/stupid/selfish/don't understand it/ignorant (delete as required)

[Pidge]

This is a good idea. If anyone has a clue about this, please come: convince us!*


*Or, y'know, link to a good unbiased summary.

[forest]

it depends 1st and foremost how you feel about the EU If you are against it then thats the end of the matter you wont suport the treaty or any other one.
The treaty is needed for the future of the EU and if you want the EU to have one you should suport it.
This document is as a result of 5 years of negosiating our dear leader has said he perfered the old constitution as have alot of people but this appears the best we are going to get
If we vote no the EU isnt going to colapse but will be the 1st of a series of steps that lead to a two tier Europe and Ireland with be out on the edges and 30 years of preogress will be for noting

[ibis]

I await the responses eagerly.

You really are an optimist!

[rockofcashel]

it depends 1st and foremost how you feel about the EU If you are against it then thats the end of the matter you wont suport the treaty or any other one.
The treaty is needed for the future of the EU and if you want the EU to have one you should suport it.
This document is as a result of 5 years of negosiating our dear leader has said he perfered the old constitution as have alot of people but this appears the best we are going to get
If we vote no the EU isnt going to colapse but will be the 1st of a series of steps that lead to a two tier Europe and Ireland with be out on the edges and 30 years of preogress will be for noting

what a load of rubbish..

what will be different if we vote No, from where we are now ?

what will we physically or materially lose ?

[Ard-Taoiseach]

I await the responses eagerly.

You really are an optimist!

Guilty as charged!

[seabhcan]

The Charter of Fundamental Rights is definitely a good thing. For one, article 35 should shake up the Irish government attitude to health care:

Article 35: Health care

Everyone has the right of access to preventive health care and the right to benefit from medical
treatment under the conditions established by national laws and practices. A high level of human health protection shall be ensured in the definition and implementation of all Union policies and activities.

(not to say I am definitely voting yes - I haven't decided.)

[seabhcan]

This one is good too:

Article 8
Protection of personal data

1. Everyone has the right to the protection of personal data concerning him or her.

2. Such data must be processed fairly for specified purposes and on the basis of the consent of the person concerned or some other legitimate basis laid down by law. Everyone has the right of access to data which has been collected concerning him or her, and the right to have it rectified.

3. Compliance with these rules shall be subject to control by an independent authority.

[DavidMurphyperson]

There was a very good two page spread in the IT today that had good information