Fine Gael leaders 'selling out' rural Ireland on Lisbon

[brio910]

Fine Gael leaders 'selling out' rural Ireland on Lisbon

Just saw this article about Fine Gael leaders selling out farmers and rural communities by campaigning to get rid of Irish veto on trade veto.
Makes simple point"

If the Irish veto is so important over corporate tax rate why should we hand over vetos in other crucial areas ?

Handing over of vetos is a recipe to be someone else's whipping boy. We would be crazy to vote Yes.

@@@
Press

Sinn Féin has accused Fine Gael of selling out rural Ireland by backing a Yes vote in the Lisbon Treaty referendum.

President Gerry Adams says it is unbelievable that Enda Kenny would encourage people to vote in favour of a Treaty that will remove Ireland's right to veto trade decisions.

In five weeks time, on June 12th, a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty will be held here.

Sinn Féin Chairperson and MEP Mary Lou McDonald said there are a number of contradictions in the Yes campaign’s arguments.

“It's kind of ironic that, for instance, the Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny urges the government to use their veto if we don't get an agreement that's to the advantage of Ireland,” she said.

“What Mr. Kenny also does, is then urge the farmers to come out and support the Lisbon treaty, which of course would get rid of that very veto.”

http://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/mhgbkfeycwau/

[drbob1972]

but why attack FG in particular ? why not labour or FF or other supportors ? is it becuase FG are SF's least likely partners in any potential future governments ? if so are SF just playing cheap politics and attacking FG as opposed to attacking the wider yes camp ?

[brio910]

One would expect better of Fine Gael in looking after farmers. They have a strong rural base and should know better.

Looks as if the Farmers are well ahead of FG in the wake-up stakes.

By the way, I'm not attacking FG, I've got nothing against them personally. I'm not very party political.

SF are showing up the stupidity of shouting about the importance of vetos and then giving them away a la Lisbon.

[westkerryblue]

well the treaty is will make the EU team at WHO talks more efficient and so farmers are more likely to get a better worldwide deal via the EU.so overall farmers will benefit from the treaty and fine gael recognises that.

[rockofcashel]

well the treaty is will make the EU team at WHO talks more efficient and so farmers are more likely to get a better worldwide deal via the EU.so overall farmers will benefit from the treaty and fine gael recognises that.

Aye.. that really worked in the last round of talks for the beet industry.. didn't it. WTO talks base their decisions on the economic principles of comparative advantage (one of the cornerstones of "the free market". If it is comparatively cheaper, and it is, to produce beef in Brazil, EU beef producing nations will do comparatively worse than Brazilian producers)

This will amount to cheaper beef in the EU.. but takes no account of the possible devastating effects that a cut in production might have in individual EU nations.. like Ireland

The Irish farmers are being sold out for years.. voting Yes to Lisbon will only speed the process up.

Welcome back big landlordism... under the guise of "economies of scale"

[foxrockman]

The Irish farmers have achieved a lot from Europe and anyone involved in farming knows that. I must point out that the farming community does not want SF to tell us we are going to suffer as a result of a yes vote.
So I suggest that anyone speaking for the farming community clarify their actually knowledge of farming . The farming community are unhappy with many issues but overall we know that the best position for Ireland and farming is within a stronger Europe.

Vote YES it makes sense.

[NotDevsSon]

Ah yes. Those great defenders of farmers, Sinn Fein. When did you abandon the proposal of nationalising land?

[foxrockman]

Ah yes. Those great defenders of farmers, Sinn Fein. When did you abandon the proposal of nationalising land?

Correct NotDevsSon and I wonder if you will receive a reply. The hypocrisy coming from the NO campaign is only increasing the support for the YES vote

[brio910]

Since we joined the EU the number of farmers has plummetted.

It is the Farmers who will let the political elites of this country know how they feel about Lisbon and the WTO talks.


The farmers have indicated they will vote NO.

The elected politicians should listen to them, not lecture them.

[NotDevsSon]

Since we joined the EU the number of farmers has plummetted.

If we had not joined the EU there would be hardly any farmers left. There are so many farmers BECAUSE of the EU and CAP.

It is the Farmers who will let the political elites of this country know how they feel about Lisbon and the WTO talks.


The farmers have indicated they will vote NO.

No they have not. The IFA have been playing games over the WTO talks. But they have made it clear privately that in mid May they will be calling on farmers to vote yes.