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MacLochlainn seeks talks
with Sarkozy
17.07.08
SINN Féin's director of
its 'No to Lisbon' campaign has urged the Government
to facilitate a meeting between his party and
President Nicolas Sarkozy during his visit to
Ireland next week.
Cllr Pádraig MacLochlainn the French president's
comment on Tuesday that Ireland must hold a second
referendum on Lisbon, illustrated the need for the
Cowen administration to withstand any attempts to
"bully" the Irish people. |
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“To date the Irish
government has not demonstrated an appetite for
properly dealing with the Irish people's rejection
of the Lisbon Treaty. A number of key concerns in
the areas of democracy, militarism and neutrality,
workers' rights and public services were |
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consistently raised
throughout the campaign," said the Buncrana-based
councillor.
“Sinn Féin recognises that Ireland must work with
its European partners to overcome the current
difficulties. However, Government must also accept
that its first responsibility is to the people of
this State and it cannot allow Ireland to be bullied
into a second referendum on a treaty the people do
not want."
EU rules dictated that the Lisbon Treaty needs the
ratification of all member states to proceed. Sinn
Féin last week met with the French Ambassador to
Ireland and has this week sought a meeting with Mr.
Sarkozy through the Taoiseach’s office.
"As the only voice in the 'No' campaign with
Oireachtas representation and of course our
negotiation background, we believe such a meeting
would be productive for the French president and
would also be an expression of good faith by both
the Government and the EU to their commitment to
listen to the Irish people. Sinn Féin continues to
be ambitious for Europe. Ireland and Europe deserve
a better deal," added Cllr MacLochlainn. |
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