CSP tells it like it is on Lisbon

Here is the text of the party's submission to the Sub-Committee on Ireland's Future in the European Union:


The general view expressed by both politicians and the media is that Ireland will lose its influence in the European corridors of power, if, as a result of our Lisbon vote, we alone will be the cause of that Treaty not being implemented. Of course, that position may not actually arise because the Czech Republic and Poland have not yet decided on the issue. Indeed the matter is before the courts in the Czech Republic. So there is no certainty that Ireland alone will reject the Treaty. If, however, such a position emerges the Christian Solidarity Party does not forsee that significant difficulties will arise for Ireland. There may be an initial negative response from some European politicians and administrators. Nevertheless, this party is of the view that their reaction will quickly change as it becomes apparent that public opinion in many countries supports the Irish position. In this regard we would specifically point to the United Kingdom which is our major trading partner. The government there has renaged on its election promise to hold a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty. It seems obvious that their reason for so doing is the certainty that a UK referendum would result in the Treaty being rejected.

2. Such a result would also arise in other European countries if they were to hold referenda on the Treaty. Ireland should take advantage of this position by leading the "No" vote and thereby strengthen its status within the European Union. Consequently, the Christian Solidarity Party would strongly oppose any re-run of the Treaty referendum. A outlined above, there is no specific need to seek a reversal of the outcome of the Lisbon vote. More importantly, it is essential to ensure that future referenda do not become meaningless through re-running them until such time as the "official" line is supported.

3. Ireland, so far as is possible, must make certain through its representation on the board of the Euro Bank that currency policy does not operate in a fashion detrimental to the particular needs of the Irish economy. Ireland must protect its right to determine its own tax rates, a right which is vital to our ability to attract foreign investment and development to this country.

4. In relation to social policy, defence and foreign affairs, the Christian Solidarity Party opposes the concept that these matters can be determined by Brussels and imposed on Ireland against the wishes of its people. These policy areas must remain under the control of our own legislature. We are certain that the vast majority of the Irish people believe that the European Union should have no say in relation to our laws on matters such as abortion, family and foreign affairs.