TCD Hist debate on EU tonight, UKIP pulls out

[David Cochrane]

Trinity College's Historical Society, in association with The National Forum on Europe is tonight hosting their annual Europe debate.

That Ireland should ratify the Lisbon Treaty - GMB @ 7.30pm

* Dr Garret FitzGerald, former Taoiseach and member of the Alliance for Europe
* Minister Dick Roche, TD, Minister for European Affairs
* Marco Lombardi First Secretary of the Italian Embassy
* Joe Higgins, Socialist Party
* Declan Ganley, chair of Libertas

Maurice Hayes, Chairman of the National Forum on Europe will be in the chair on the evening.

Deputy Leader of UKIP, David Campbell Bannerman was due to speak tonight. however, as mentioned by The Irish Times, he has since announced his decision to pull out of the debate.

From his statement to the press

"There seems to be an intention by the Yes supporters behind the scenes to link the No campaign with withdrawal from the EU – when the Irish referendum is nothing to do with withdrawal. Indeed, you could argue a Yes vote may make withdrawal more likely ! This seems to be a sign of desperation on their part."

"I have always made it clear the decision on the referendum in Ireland is entirely for the Irish people, I was only going to speak from the UK perspective. UKIP fully respects the rights of individual nation states."

"Unfortunately, the underhand tactics being used by Yes supporters and their acolytes have made it impossible to have a civilised and balanced debate."

[Kf]

Seems a bit odd that a foreign diplomat should be advocating a particular position on a issue like this. Its not exactly...well, diplomatic.

Italy hasn't even ratified the Lisbon Treaty.

Statemeny by the UKIP leader is very accurate.

[Compound Fracture]

I blame young Fine Gael for this. They want to gag UKIP!! They're running away from debate!!!! Grrrrr etc etc

[ibis]

I blame young Fine Gael for this. They want to gag UKIP!! They're running away from debate!!!! Grrrrr etc etc

Well, it's always nice to not have to debate, but claim the credit anyway - it seems the No side have grasped this very quickly.

[Compound Fracture]

Well, it's always nice to not have to debate, but claim the credit anyway - it seems the No side have grasped this very quickly

Well I'm told that for all their high-and-mighty hectoring yesterday, Libertas showed their faces for less than 15 mins at the infamous YFG seminar, didn't open their mouths, then slithered out the door. So I guess that's another example

[CookieMonster]

I shall endeavor to attend anyway, even without the UKIP's input which I would have liked to hear.

[ibis]

Well, it's always nice to not have to debate, but claim the credit anyway - it seems the No side have grasped this very quickly

Well I'm told that for all their high-and-mighty hectoring yesterday, Libertas showed their faces for less than 15 mins at the infamous YFG seminar, didn't open their mouths, then slithered out the door. So I guess that's another example

To be fair, it's a complete bastard getting seats in Buswells.

[CookieMonster]

Well, it's always nice to not have to debate, but claim the credit anyway - it seems the No side have grasped this very quickly

Well I'm told that for all their high-and-mighty hectoring yesterday, Libertas showed their faces for less than 15 mins at the infamous YFG seminar, didn't open their mouths, then slithered out the door. So I guess that's another example

The debate was that bad, was it?

[David Cochrane]

YFGers, I'd appreciate if you'd stay on topic. Cheers.

[ibis]

I shall endeavor to attend anyway, even without the UKIP's input which I would have liked to hear.

It's still a pretty good lineup. However, it doesn't take precedence over getting my daughter her dinner!