Govt may ask EU to guarantee permanent commissioner
Wednesday, 30 July 2008
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The Government is reportedly considering asking the EU to guarantee every member state a permanent commissioner before putting the Lisbon Treaty to a second referendum late next year.
Reports this morning say the idea is among a number of options being considered by the Fianna Fail-led coalition following the rejection of the treaty by Irish voters last month.
If the proposal is approved, the Government would also reportedly seek EU assurances on abortion, taxation and neutrality before arranging a second referendum in September or October 2009.
This would mean next summer's European parliament elections would have to be held under the terms of the Nice Treaty rather than the Lisbon Treaty, which cannot come into effect without Ireland's ratification.
Taoiseach Brian Cowen is due to present a plan for the way forward to his fellow EU leaders before the end of this year.
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There is no need for the government to seek assurances in areas which they have already assured us the Lisbon Treaty does not apply.
The amendment to our constitution can be drafted so as to retain the supremacy of our constitution in these matters thus giving us a self delivered cast-iron guarantee rather than dubious assurances.
Posted by Shay | 31.07.08, 10:43 GMT
I think this is the way to go. We have 4.000.000 people in rep of irl and about 30 minsters of some sort why can't each country in europe have a rep at the top table. (better be looking out than looking in)
And Mr Sarcastic from Paris should mind his own business. I think he has enough problems at home to sort out. Of course we are thankful for the help we got from europe. But dont forget most of the dosh we got was spent in the warst possible way.We gave away our fishing borders to spanish french belgian & who ever else wants to fish our waters. Europe tells us how many hours per week we allowed work. Then some new countries joined in 2004/2005 with wages of €100.00 per week bringing loads to irl making it inpossible for irish international hauliers to compete because our drivers are costing €900.00 per week. Where is the fairness in this. And lets not forget our buddies the YANKS ! they gave us MICHAEL DELL,IBM,MICROSOFT,And many many more. So lets not forget our US friends !!!!!!
Posted by Proud from wexford | 30.07.08, 08:12 GMT