Fianna Fáil minister’s eurosceptic attack does not augur well for referendum

Date: 23/05/02

By David Cronin

FIANNA Fáil, the centre-right senior partner in Dublin's ruling coalition, is on course to return to power in Ireland's general election tomorrow (17 May).

Although generally viewed as euro-enthusiasts - the party campaigned unsuccessfully for ratification of the Nice Treaty in last year's poll - one of its most prominent members last week launched a scathing attack on Brussels.

Finance minister Charlie McCreevy said the European Commission had to shoulder some of the blame for the recent success of the far-right because of its increased meddling in member state economies. He's not been much of a fan of the executive since it issued him with a formal reprimand over his budgetary policies in February 2001, blamed them for fuelling inflation.

John Cushnahan, an MEP with the opposition Fine Gael, warned that McCreevy's 'bout of euroscepticism' could have serious repercussions.

'If the polls are correct and the current government is returned, then this does not augur well for the success of the next referendum [due in November],' he said.

'If Nice is to be ratified, a huge effort will be required from the political establishment and social partners. Failure...would risk moving to a semi-detached relationship with the EU which would neither be in Ireland's interest nor that of the EU.'

McCreevy's Fianna Fáil colleague Brian Crowley said that the mainstream political parties, all of which advocated a 'yes' to Nice last year, would campaign more energetically second time around.

A declaration likely to be agreed at June's summit of EU leaders in Seville could also boost the 'yes' side. Requested by Taoiseach (prime minister) Bertie Ahern, this would formally recognise Ireland's tradition of military neutrality.

Crowley added: 'We'll be trying to overcome some of the innuendo and mistruths which the 'no' side spread. One poster said 'No to Nice, no to NATO', when in fact there was nothing in the Nice Treaty about joining NATO.'

Since 1997, Fianna Fáil has depended on support from the tiny Progressive Democrats and independents. But one opinion poll last weekend suggested it is on course to win 51% of the vote, giving it an overall majority. Fine Gael's support stood at 18%, with the Labour party in third place on 10%.

Centre-right party Fianna Fáil is on course to return to power in Ireland's general election on 17 May 2002.