Barroso courts the Irish ahead of EU Treaty referendum

Three days after the German Chancellor, Commission President José Manuel Barroso paid a visit to Ireland in a move seen as an attempt to rally support for pro-EU forces ahead of the Irish referendum on the Lisbon Treaty on 12 June.

Speaking at the National Forum of Europe yesterday (17 April), Barroso said he had not come here to “try to tell you how to vote”. But he expressed his hope that Irish citizens would vote in favour of the new Treaty. 

“The eyes of Europe, if not the world, will be on you on 12 June,” the EU chief said, referring to the fact that for the treaty to enter into force, it will require ratification by all 27 member states. Ireland is the only one set to hold a referendum on this issue. 

The latest poll revealed 60% of the Irish were still undecided on how to vote, with only 28% ‘certain’ to vote in favour of the new Treaty (EURACTIV 16/04/08). 

Referring to Irish sensibilities over their corporate tax policy, Barroso stressed that its tax sovereignty would not be affected by the new Treaty. “No member state, either under the current rules or under the Lisbon Treaty, can be obliged to accept a tax proposal to which it objects,” he said. 

Meanwhile, some 10,000 farmers were protesting in the streets of Dublin against EU trade liberalisation, which they claim will destroy the industry. Industry representatives made it clear that the outcome of the negotiations by Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson at a UN Conference in May will have a huge impact on the way farmers vote on the Lisbon Treaty.

“Sell us out and we will have our say on the 12th of June,” Farmers Association President Padraig Walshe told the rally, reports the Irish Independent.

But Barroso emphasised the need to conclude talks on a new world trade agreement, saying it would be in the interest of Irish farmers to see a quick resolution. 

Read more with Euractiv

Majority of Irish still undecided about EU Treaty

60% of Irish people are still weighing their options for the 12 June referendum on the Treaty of Lisbon, according to a poll published ahead of a visit to Ireland this week by German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Commission President José Manuel Barroso.