Brussels, 11/05/2012 (Agence Europe) - MEP Marian Harkin (ALDE, Ireland) has commented on the Irish referendum on fiscal compact, scheduled for Thursday 31 May, saying: “Ireland must postpone its vote on the Fiscal Treaty due to rapidly increasing uncertainty in Europe, in particular the decision by the German Bundestag to defer its own ratification of the Treaty” (see EUROPE 10606). The decision to postpone Germany's ratification of the fiscal compact until next month was taken under pressure from the left pro-European opposition (without whom ratification will not be possible), which wants guarantees about growth stimulation at EU level and the introduction of a financial transaction tax. “This is a clear signal that there may be some amendments or changes to the current Treaty. Irish people cannot be expected to make an informed decision in those circumstances. I offered my reluctant support for the Treaty because it guarantees access to the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) and it is a stepping stone towards a stronger economic Union.” (MB/transl.fl)