Well, today’s the day…
I’m not voting as I’m not a citizen of the state.
The whole “campaign” has seen some fairly poor quality debates.
Both sides engaging in different levels of FUD. When one looks at who the no campaigners are you get a much better understanding of why they don’t want the Lisbon treaty to be accepted.
- Sinn Fein: obviously have to make a stand for the Republic. It’s a bit rich from them to bash on military issues…
- Libertas: Why would a group of people who all work for an American company that contracts for the US forces’ communications want a stronger Europe? That would be against their interests.
- The socialist party: when was the last time they had a positive out look on life in general?
The biggest fear put-out there is that Ireland would become part of a European superstate. Well helloooo, wake-up! As far as I’m concerned, I always understood that to be the ultimate goal of the European Union. To create a union of European nations to compete with the other large entities of the world (USA, China, India…). Bring on the United States of Europe.
This might sound shocking to people but those who know me might understand where I’m coming from. I’ve got dual nationality and live in a third country… I don’t see myself a a national from a particular country, I see myself as European, and then as coming from a country. Just a citizen of the US of A, is primarily American and then comes from one of the states….
My feeling about the whole thing is:
Voting no today would basically mean that Ireland want Europe when it comes to handing out money to develop the country, but when it comes to be a real partner in the union then no thanks. It’s a bit like asking your friends to help you out but when they turn to you for help you tell them to get lost.
Voting yes is simply saying to the other member states that, yes, we enjoyed a fantastic growth thanks to Europe and we’d like to be more involved. A bit like club members not just taking part in the activities but also taking part in governing the club.
I hope the majority of the Irish citizens votes yes. But there’s no guarantees there. Who knows the governement might have to do the same trick it used to get the Nice treaty approved: submit it to vote for a second time…
12 June 2008 at 22:03
Excellent! I thought I was the only ‘Yes’ supporter on this. You make a good argument on what a yes vote will say to the rest of Europe. Fingers crossed people have realised this and haven’t been mislead into voting no.
17 June 2008 at 13:06
Well unfortunately they did vote no and now we’re in a bit of a mess. No one really know which way to go from here.