Ah begorra!

pete quentin, 29 April 2008

As a date for the Irish referendum on the Lisbon Treaty looms ever closer (and at times then drifts further away, depending on the political climate and EU’s chances of securing a ‘Yes’ vote) it seems the tussle for votes has become smothered in political confusion, writes Claire Daley.

The Lisbon Treaty’s marathon ratification process is an EU variation of the Olympic torch relay currently hobbling its way about the globe. But instead of being flagged by hard-headed Chinese bodyguards adorned with blue tracksuits, the Lisbon Treaty is being shielded by a gaggle of equally mean bureaucratic tactics, but this time adorned with red tape.
The Chinese are unapologetic about their methods, either wrestling or hurdling protestors throughout the torch relay, while the EU’s tactics have been slightly more self-conscious.
Given what is at stake, it is inevitable that the Irish referendum will be highly contested. The Irish voters are being wrapped in political cotton wool as the EU and Irish leadership attempt to shelter possible ‘Yes’ voters by deflecting wider criticism of the EU and stifling debate.
The Lisbon Treaty itself is far from simple. Seemingly designed to confuse, the Treaty is a paradigm of perplexity and because it heralds no single solution or reform it appears to have no agenda. However there’s plenty to be found, given that it is a self-amending Treaty, it could be characterised as the “Treaty to end all Treaties” (“Vote ‘Yes’ to put an end to all that annoying democracy you’ve been enjoying!”). Furthermore because it generates the bloated positions of EU President and (effectively) a new Foreign minister, it can be characterised as funnelling more power to Brussels…neither of which seem likely to attract genuine Irish support.
As a result the only referendum on the Lisbon Treaty will not be as simple as a single member state’s ‘Yes/No’ vote. It has become a microcosm for European issues and a magnet for broader EU dissent. As a result the EU and Irish leadership are keen to distance the vote from more negative connotations of the European Union:
For example Bertie Ahern’s announcement that he will resign from his post in May indicates the Irish government are attempting to shield the referendum from damaging domestic issues. Removing Ahern will reduce the temptation for the public to vote ‘no’ as a backhand slap for his questionable financial affairs.
Also, as a cautionary financial tactic, a review of the EU budget has been postponed (the Commission has generously extended the deadline for member states to submit proposals for budget reform) to avoid awkward public debate in the run-up to the Irish vote.
The government is also shielding specific voter groups in Ireland from broader European contentions. The intention is to avoid a repeat of the protest by Irish farmers in Dublin earlier this month against a forthcoming WTO meeting, which the government fears could provoke a ‘NO’ vote from farmers.
As a further pre-emptive tactic, French President Sarkozy has been temporarily gagged over his plans to harmonise EU corporation tax once he assumes the six-month EU Presidency in July. A common tax rate would force Ireland’s low corporate tax rates to rise, therefore risking a ‘No’ from business. Avoid! Avoid!
Holding the Irish vote before Sarkozy steps into the limelight of the EU Presidency also reduces the risk of voters associating the Treaty with his ambition of further establishing the European Security and Defence Policy. An ambition that was apparent at the recent NATO summit in Bucharest where Sarkozy bagged US backing for a beefed up European defence, in return for promising more French troops in Afghanistan.
The Lisbon Treaty is a tricky issue, saturated with confusing text and misleading arguments. As a result, the Irish referendum is equally contentious. But perhaps the most effective tactic is to avoid the political games, the resulting apathy and the “Ah begorra!” by sticking to simple promises:
www.pledgebank.com/Irishheros humourously takes a leaf out of the EU’s book of political tactics, with avoidance seemingly the name of the game.
“Vote NO to safeguard national sovereignty and herald democracy… simply to win a good pint of Guinness and the promise of a flutter on the horses!”