News Release -
“Ireland in danger of undermining its global competitiveness” says Shannon Development Chairman
“A ‘Yes’ vote for the Lisbon Treaty referendum is vital for Ireland. By supporting this Treaty we will be supporting Ireland’s position as a global economic player and failure to do so will result in this position being eroded and undermined,” says John Brassil, Chairman Shannon Development, Ireland’s only regional development agency.
“There seems to be a view out there that people are voting ‘no’ because they are not sure of what the Treaty is about. This is too important an issue not to take the time to get informed. I would strongly urge everyone who is unsure to take time to understand the Treaty. There is plenty of information out there. We are all in businesses of one type or another and therefore the responsibility for ensuring the future prosperity of the business community in Ireland rests in all our hands.
“With soaring oil prices, rising inflation and the end of the housing boom, our participation in a strong European Community is now more important than ever as Ireland faces challenging times ahead. As a country that has benefited hugely in the past from participation in the EU, it is important that we vote ‘yes’ to ensure that we continue to reap these benefits. What this Treaty does is to bring together all 27 member states into a more effective partnership which will benefit all, and make sure that Ireland’s voice will continue to be heard.
Undoubtedly Ireland has benefited economically and socially in the past from its membership of the EU and I strongly believe it will continue to do so in the future.
We are hearing the same arguments for a ‘no’ vote as we have heard since Ireland joined the EU. These fears about security, tax and social rights have proved groundless. In fact the Treaty will benefit us in many different ways. For instance it will secure Ireland’s tax regime, and by doing so it will ensure that this country, with its low tax rate, remains one of the most attractive places in the world to invest. On the jobs front it will ensure that Ireland’s strategic economic interests are protected.
As an island nation we rely heavily on fast, efficient transport networks to get our goods to the market place and this is another reason why the Treaty is good news for Ireland. Ireland exports almost 90% of goods we produce and the Treaty will help improve transport infrastructure across Europe.
As a Regional Development Agency, Shannon Development knows just how effective developing strong working partnerships with a range of key players can be, we do it every day and we see its results. Embracing a European partnership will bring benefits to all, it will allow us to be part of a larger grouping with shared common interests and goals, to identify and exploit new global opportunities and to compete more effectively on the world stage.
As citizens of Ireland it is up to all of us to ensure that we inform ourselves about the Treaty. Full information on the Treaty is available on the Referendum Commission’s website www.refcom.ie
If we make the wrong decision we will have to live with the economic consequences, and we will have missed out on a major opportunity to continue our leading role in shaping the future direction of the European Community. By voting ‘yes’ Ireland will continue to punch above its weight in Europe,” Mr. Brassil concluded.
End
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