Campaign to change Irish minds on Lisbon [Constitution] Treaty falters

The Times ^ | 9/5/2009 | David Sharrock

[bruinbirdman]

With less than a month to go before the Irish vote on the Lisbon treaty for a second time, the campaign to get them to change their minds and vote “yes” is running into trouble.

An opinion poll found that support for the treaty — which will create the EU’s first president and end national vetos on several key policy areas — has fallen by eight points over the summer to 46 per cent. The number of those intending to vote “no” has risen by one point to 29 per cent and the “undecideds” stand at 25 per cent.

The poll bears an astonishing resemblance to one conducted a month before the treaty was last put to the country in a referendum, which was lost by a margin of 53-47 per cent. The Irish Republic is the only country to allow its people to vote on the treaty, which replaces the failed EU constitution.

Campaigning has not even begun in earnest but the Government led by Fianna Fáil, which is pushing for a “yes” vote, is unpopular as Ireland battles with its worst recession in decades.

The Taioseach Brian Cowen, centre, arrives with Fianna Fail ministers Michael Martin,
left, and Dick Roche to launch their Lisbon campaign in Dublin this week

John Gormley, the leader of the Green party, Fianna Fáil’s coalition partner, said: “These [figures] are actually worse, so there’s no room for complacency. If we simply sit back there is every danger that the treaty does not go through.”

Micheal Martin, the Foreign Minister, told the state broadcaster RTÉ Radio: “I was never under any illusion but that it would be difficult to secure this but I do think we can do it.

“There is a very significant challenge ahead, it’s

[Humble Servant]

Freedom is everything, Ireland. You know that well. Don’t give it away.