Ireland must postpone its vote on the Fiscal Treaty due to rapidly increasing uncertainty in Europe, in particular the decision by the German Bundestag to defer its own ratification of the Treaty, says North West MEP Marian Harkin.
Speaking today in the European Parliament in Brussels today, Harkin said that “given the decision by the German Government to defer ratification it is clear they are unable to get the required majority in the Bundestag. This is a clear signal that there may be some amendments or changes to the current Treaty. Irish people cannot be expected to make an informed decision in those circumstances”.
“While I have said from the beginning that there was no need to ‘rush to referendum,’ I offered my reluctant support for the Treaty because it guarantees access to the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) and it is, I believe, a stepping stone towards a stronger economic Union. However, the result of the French election in particular, and the insistence of Francois Hollande on the inclusion of a growth compact has now moved the goal posts, and in this context we must ensure we do not score an own goal.
“Enda Kenny said that this vote was more important than a general election – I agree with him, that is why we must get it right and be absolutely clear on what exactly we are asking Irish citizens to vote on” the Ireland North & West MEP concluded.
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