Fury over Lisbon card cost

July 8, 2009 by Infowars Ireland

Martin to spend €220,000 posting treaty update to homes

FOREIGN Affairs Minister Micheal Martin is embroiled in a blazing row over his plan to send out postcards costing €220,000, giving an update on the Lisbon Treaty.

On the same day as the Government finally published the legislation to allow for the referendum to be held, Mr Martin was accused of abusing taxpayers’ money.

The Government will announce the date of the referendum once the legislation is rushed through the Dail and Seanad this week.

Postcards are being sent to households explaining the outcome of last month’s European Council, confirming the retention of a European Commissioner, the lack of impact from the treaty on abortion, neutrality and tax, along with the protection of workers rights.

Mr Martin said the distribution is part of the “Government’s determined effort to ensure that the public will be well informed about the treaty and Ireland’s legal guarantees”.

But ‘No’ campaigners described the plan as an “expensive propaganda stunt, designed to give voters an illusion of legal certainty”.

Former Green Party MEP Patricia McKenna, now chair of the People’s Movement, said public money is being used to peddle Government spin that the guarantees will somehow change the impact on Ireland.

“But this is legally impossible without changes to the actual text of the treaty, or legally binding protocols attached to, and ratified by, all member states before the treaty comes into force,” she said.

“It is inherently wrong for the Government to use money from both sides to try and hoodwink the people. Those on the ‘No’ side who can effectively challenge this spin don’t have the resources to counter this propaganda campaign.” Read full article