Politics.ie News

Fianna Fáil TD Éamon Ó Cuív has this evening confirmed that he will remain in Fianna Fáil, and will no longer engage in public discussion about the Fiscal Treaty. His announcement comes after intense speculation since yesterday evening about his future in the party following discussions and correspondance from the Fianna Fáil chief whip.

The European Commissioner with responsibility for the Digital Agenda delivered a speech earlier where the protest of "many thousands of people" is cited as one of the reasons that she belives ACTA has finally failed.

Socialist Party MEP for Dublin Paul Murphy has written to the Referendum Commission claiming their advisory booklet contains inaccuracies. Murphy says that the booklet's claim that access to the European Stability Mechanism would be unavailable if there was a No vote in the Fiscal Treaty referendum is wrong. Murphy's statement and letter to the Referendum Commission is below the fold.

Sinn Féin MEP for Northern Ireland Bairbre de Brún has resigned, it's just been announced. A short statement by party leader Gerry Adams confirms de Brún's decision to resign was taken for personal reasons and asks the media to respect her privacy. Full statement by Sinn Féin is below the fold.

The Referendum Commission has published it's guide to the Fiscal Treaty Referendum, which takes place in 29 days time (May 31st). The leaflet, which you can read below the fold. States clearly that Ireland will not have access to the European Stability Mechanism if the referendum is defeated.

A poll conducted by IPSOS/MRBI has revealed that 85% of people believe overseas aid to be "important or very important". The research was commissioned by Dóchas a body of non-governmental development organisations and IDEA (The Irish Development Education Association).