Brussels, 02/05/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 1 May, Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny launched the “yes” campaign for the referendum on the European budgetary treaty, which will be held on 31 May. He based his campaign on the fact that the fiscal compact (on budgetary discipline) is vital for the economic recovery of the country. A vote in favour “will constitute an important and positive step in favour of economic recovery”, said the Taoiseach, who is the leader of Fine Gael, a centrist party, warning that a vote against would “jeopardise economic recovery funds, undermine the European economy, which is helping to get our own back on track, and be of concern to international businesses and investors, on whom we rely for our jobs”. The coalition party, the Labour party and the opposition party, Fianna Fail, are in favour of the treaty, whereas the Republicans of Sinn Fein, the Socialist party and many independents are opposed to it.
According to the latest survey, 47% of the Irish are in favour of the pact, 35% oppose it and 18% are undecided.
The announcement of a referendum, necessary due to its constitution, was a worry to the EU, because the Irish have twice voted against European treaties - Nice in 2001 and Lisbon in 2008 - before going on to accept them in a second referendum.
The pact was adopted in January by the European leaders, with the exception of the United Kingdom and the Czech Republic. Twelve countries need to ratify the pact in order for it to enter into force. (CG/transl.fl)