Sunday, April 22nd 2012
‘No’ vote advocates should listen to Irish businesses and international investors
Fine Gael Wicklow TD, Andrew Doyle, has today (Sunday) said that those who are advocating a No vote in the upcoming referendum on the Stability Treaty should listen to Irish businesses and international investors, who understand the importance of being part of a single, strong currency.
“Since we joined the euro in January 2002, we have benefitted from being members of a single, strong currency. Irish businesses which engage in international trade understand the importance of having access to a market in a simple and straightforward way. I would urge those advocating a No vote in the Stability Treaty referendum to listen to these experts, and consider the implications a rejection of the Treaty would have for Ireland, which is the single biggest exporting country within the eurozone.
“It is in Ireland’s best interests to remain at the heart of the European economic and monetary union. The euro is still in its infancy. Mistakes have been made since the introduction of the single currency. By failing to take prudent, preventive measures to stop the debt burden arising, we have been left with a very difficult legacy. The Stability Treaty is about responsibility; it will ensure that governments across Europe make sound financial decisions. It will ensure that the mistakes of the past cannot be repeated.
“It amuses me to hear those who refer to the treaty as an ‘austerity treaty’ and claim that it will hamstring us for the rest of our days. These are the same people who said reckless lending, borrowing and a lack of prudence led us into the current mess. But yet they are now objecting to sensible rules being put in place, which will prevent these decisions from being made again.
Anyone who runs a household budget knows that when you have a surplus, you save it, and when you have a deficit, you either use savings or seek a facility to borrow. That is what we are talking about; keeping our finances within wise parameters.
“It is also ludicrous to suggest that by voting No, we will strengthen our negotiating position in E