Lisbon postcard to be sent to households: Martin

[molloyjh]

It doesn't matter, at least not to me, whether the information is accurate and truthful; if it is, that's a nice surprise. What really matters is that public money is being spent on one side of the argument.

The government of the day must be free to have its own point of view, and for this to be reflected in the outlook and output of the Department of Foreign Affairs. But a line is crossed when, with a referendum coming down the tracks, voters are fed one-sided material paid for by public funds.

The f--kers must think we're so paralysed by the state of the economy that they can roll back all that has been achieved in keeping the government honest. The Constitution contains the fundamental rules of the game, and if we allow the government to use our own money to campaign on how to change that document, we will be sailing in even murkier and more dangerous waters than we are already.

Also, just to get it off my chest for the nth time, how can the Greens live with this? For their next surprise, will they be giving the thumbs-up to nuclear power?

If it is factual information and nothing more then it is not a "side" at all, but factual information. Of course if you think that factual information is a "side" and limited only to the Yes "side" then that doesn't say much for the No "side" does it!?

[kerrynorth]

Also, just to get it off my chest for the nth time, how can the Greens live with this? For their next surprise, will they be giving the thumbs-up to nuclear power?

They have also done a u-turn on live exports - as long as it is children in need of life saving operations that they can then get out of paying for.

There is just no end to it!

[molloyjh]

This is an information leaflet from the Government to the citizens. The least one can expect is that it does not appear to dismiss or degrade a human right. If it was so nonchalant with, say, equality rights, would you be so droll?

Probably. I couldn't give a monkies about a badly phrased leaflet to be honest. As long as the legislation itself is up to scratch that's really all that matters.

[Trampas]

If it is factual information and nothing more then it is not a "side" at all, but factual information. Of course if you think that factual information is a "side" and limited only to the Yes "side" then that doesn't say much for the No "side" does it!?

The Yes side (including some dude on today's IT letters) keeps droning on about "factual information" and how the debate should focus on the actual content of the Treaty. In that regard almost every recent interview with an Irish politician has included scaremongering tactics about the recession and the putative adverse impact on Ireland should we confirm our NO vote.

[arnaudherve]

Phrasing by the government is a political act.

[myksav]

A postcard??? Wow, I'm convinced.


sorry, can't type well from the floor while rolling about laughing.

Edit. Hang on, it that the piece of paper that Cowen was waving on the way back from Brussels the other week?

[molloyjh]

The Yes side (including some dude on today's IT letters) keeps droning on about "factual information" and how the debate should focus on the actual content of the Treaty. In that regard almost every recent interview with an Irish politician has included scaremongering tactics about the recession and the putative adverse impact on Ireland should we confirm our NO vote.

Phrasing by the government is a political act.

I've said it often enough, I wouldn't listen to our Government in a fit so all told I couldn't give a fiddlers about their leaflets or their phrasing or anything.

[ibis]

It doesn't matter, at least not to me, whether the information is accurate and truthful; if it is, that's a nice surprise. What really matters is that public money is being spent on one side of the argument.

The government of the day must be free to have its own point of view, and for this to be reflected in the outlook and output of the Department of Foreign Affairs. But a line is crossed when, with a referendum coming down the tracks, voters are fed one-sided material paid for by public funds.

The f--kers must think we're so paralysed by the state of the economy that they can roll back all that has been achieved in keeping the government honest. The Constitution contains the fundamental rules of the game, and if we allow the government to use our own money to campaign on how to change that document, we will be sailing in even murkier and more dangerous waters than we are already.

Like I said, though, the DFA do have a duty to explain foreign affairs to the public. If, in their professional opinion, the guarantees are reliable, then that, plus what the guarantees cover, is what they say.

Despite the gathering hysteria on this thread, it doesn't look like anything more than that is being said. Nor does the DFA have any other option but spending public money on telling the public what's happening.

Also, just to get it off my chest for the nth time, how can the Greens live with this? For their next surprise, will they be giving the thumbs-up to nuclear power?

I can but hope!

[cferrie]

Other things the government has previously decided to send to all households:
- Millennium Tree Certificate
- Millennium Candle
- Iodine Tablets for use in a Nuclear Emergency

I'm not sure I can take this too seriously...and I'm firmly on the Yes side.

[He3]

Other things the government has previously decided to send to all households:
- Millennium Tree Certificate
- Millennium Candle
- Iodine Tablets for use in a Nuclear Emergency

I'm not sure I can take this too seriously...and I'm firmly on the Yes side.

How could you forget the leaflet on What to do in an Emergency.

Did not plan for a Lisbon No vote by 862,415 crazies, or financial meltdown, but hey nobody's perfect.