Archive for May 2012
A Yes vote tomorrow will be a Yes to investment, stability and recovery
Vote YES
Tomorrow, Ireland will make one of its most important decisions since the foundation of the State.
Ratification of the European Stability Treaty is vital to the work of Fine Gael in Government.
It will allow Fine Gael, with its partners in the Labour Party, to continue to implement our ambitious programme to restore Ireland’s economy and our international standing.
Sinn Fein all over the place on this referendum. Decided first day that they would oppose, and figure out why later. Last resort was to attack the credibility of the Independent Referendum Commission. Could we not now conclude that they were WRONG from the very first minute and that this latest stunt was about publicity rather than Substantive politics on what should benefit this country?. Remember that most of this treaty is about prudent budgeting and maintaining a sustainable sovereign debt which they already conceded was desirable. The remaining articles of the treaty deals with access to the ESM and SF got it fundamentally wrong.
An Taoiseach: European Stability Treaty Address
Next Thursday, in the referendum on the European Stability Treaty, you will be asked to make a decision that will have enormous implications for our country’s future.
In short, this Treaty strengthens the economic and budgetary rules that apply to countries like Ireland that share the euro currency.
It will create stability in the Eurozone. This is essential for growth and job creation.
A strong Yes vote will create the certainty and stability that our country needs to continue on the road to economic recovery.
This Treaty will not solve all of our problems, but it is one part of the solution.
One of the many foundation blocks we need to put in place to ensure that our economy stands on firm ground in the future.
A Yes vote will send out a powerful message internationally about the kind of country Ireland is.
The government I lead was given a strong mandate by the Irish people last year.
Since then, we have worked hard to stabilise Ireland’s economy and to get the country pointed in the right direction.
We have made a start, but there is a long way to go.
I acknowledge that some of the measures we have had to take have been painful for many people.
But it is clear that the sacrifices that everyone is making are starting to make a difference.
Our public finances are coming under control.
Unemployment, though still far too high, is stabilising.
Growth, although modest, has returned to the Irish economy.
We are continuing to improve the terms and cost of our Troika programme.
And, Ireland’s international reputation has been restored.
We have proven that we are a country working hard to solve the economic crisis.
This has led to increased international confidence in Ireland as a place in which to invest, and in which to do business.
So here are three VERY positive reasons to Vote Yes on Thursday.
First – a Yes vote is the best way of ensuring that the strong flow of investment in jobs continues and grows.
Throughout my recent visits to the United States, China and elsewhere, the consistent message from both political and business leaders is that they want to see certainty about Ireland’s place in the Eurozone.
A Yes vote will provide that certainty and will confirm to investors that Ireland is a reliable place, with stable conditions and a brilliant workforce.
In the last few months, you have seen many multinational companies showing their confidence in Ireland by investing and creating jobs here.
Companies like Paypal in Dundalk, Apple in Cork, Merit Medical in Galway, and Abbott in Sligo, to name but a few. Many others are considering doing likewise.
Their decisions will create thousands of new jobs directly, and will also boost smaller Irish firms who supply them with goods and services.
Second – only a Yes vote will give Ireland guaranteed access to Europe’s permanent rescue fund – the European Stability Mechanism, should Ireland ever need it.
I want this country to have the same access as all other Euro countries to this insurance policy. This is important.
Third – a Yes vote will ensure that good housekeeping rules are put in place so that responsible budgeting becomes the norm throughout Europe.
While the creation of budget rules alone will not be enough to solve Europe’s economic problems, it will ensure that no future government will be able to behave recklessly with the people’s money.
I want people to be fully informed about the contents and implications of this referendum before they vote.
That’s why we have sent a copy of this Treaty to every home in Ireland.
It has been signed by 25 countries and its contents will not be changed.
It is also important that you are aware of what is not covered by this Treaty.
It has nothing to do with corporation tax. There is nothing in it that would allow other countries impose service cuts or charges on Ireland.
We can’t fix all our problems on Thursday but we can take another step to keep our country moving in the right direction.
You have played your part in the progress Ireland has made in the last year.
And I thank you for that.
I ask you to make a further contribution by coming out to Vote Yes on Thursday.
Yes to stability.
Yes to investment.
Yes to recovery,
and Yes to a Working Ireland.
Go raibh maith agat.
Business, Hospitality, Retail and Agri Groups back a Yes Vote
Speaking ahead of polling day this Thursday, May 31st, Fine Gael Deputy, Noel Harrington, for Cork South West said that groups from across the business, retail, hospitality and agriculture sectors have all come out to strongly endorse a Yes vote in the Stability Treaty Referendum.
“A Yes vote this coming Thursday will be a Yes to investment, stability and recovery. It will be a key step on our road to economic recovery, and will be vital as we continue to attract inward investment by helping to bring about the right conditions for growth.
“It is little wonder then, that a huge host of groups from across the business, retail, hospitality and agricultural sectors have endorsed a Yes vote. In the world of business and retail, Chambers Ireland, the Irish Exporters Association, Retail Ireland, the Small Firms Association and ISME are just some of the bodies calling for a Yes vote, because they recognise how important the Treaty is for our economic recovery.
“Ireland could export as much electricity as we consume ourselves” – Minister Pat Rabbitte
Minister launches “Strategy for Renewable Energy 2012-2020”document.- Confirms determination that 2020 renewables targets will be met – “good for the environment and good for jobs”.
- Holding talks on export protocol with UK Government next month
Monday 28 May 2012 Speaking in Dublin today, Pat Rabbitte T.D, Minister for Communications Energy and Natural Resources highlighted the scope for Ireland to be an exporter of renewable energy of significance. “Given the scale of our wind resources, in the medium term we could be exporting wind energy on a scale that matches the total electricity consumption of the country. “We use 6 to 7 Gigawatts ourselves each year and I believe we could be exporting the same quantum to the UK and beyond in the coming years.”