Ireland votes again on the Lisbon Treaty in a few weeks time because they didn't vote the 'right' way the first time round.
The way the referendum rules have been manipulated is a scandal. Campaign groups have to stick to strict limits on donations while companies or individual can spend as much as they like promoting their opinion.
As Richard states 'Vested interests from Ireland an abroad can therefore spend millions attempting to influence how Irish people vote on 2 October'.
After yesterday announcement from Michael O'Leary that he intends to support the YES campaign by donating €500,000 for advertising and cheap airline seats, today the US multinational Intel took out a full page ad in the Irish Times to also promote the YES vote. According to Richard, Intel's move is designed to impress the EU commission as it is presently facing a fine of over €1 billion under EU anti-trust legislation.
Of course these 'tactics' are also used to intimidate the smaller NO campaign supporters. I would like to remind them that, at the last Scottish elections and for years before then, the MSM said the SNP would never achieve power in Scotland. The other 3 parties were all more substantially funded by their London-based parties and the SNP were the 'small' party. I agree Soutar's donation made a massive difference to their coffers, but it was the party faithful who continued to think positive and run a positive campaign. You know the result.
I would like to see a NO vote if only for the reason that David Cameron would then be forced to hold a referendum in the UK. Many people feel strongly about the EU and were promised a say in the Lisbon Treaty, only for our present PM to nip over and sign it late at night in the hope nobody would notice.
Another reason I support a NO vote is because I detest bullies.
Posts
