A period of debate
The republican struggle is now into a period of debate. The more
thorough, intensive, creative and comradely it is, the stronger
our struggle will emerge.
d a point that must be emphasised - and which is already being
distorted in the media - is that Sinn Féin has not signed up to
the Agreement. Sinn Féin is now consulting its membership and its
base. It is a task which takes time but which is absolutely
necessary. Throughout this process Sinn Féin has taken great care
and paid close attention to detail when debating its strategy.
Now, more than ever, that must be repeated. This is a complex
political situation which will have to be navigated with great
skill and unity if our struggle is to emerge stronger and closer
to our objectives. The delegates gathering for the Sinn Féin Ard
Fheis well understand that. We wish them luck in their
deliberations in the weeks ahead.
Postpone Amsterdam Referendum
The proposal that 22 May be a referendum day for not one but two
complex referenda is to be regretted. The Amsterdam Treaty
referendum was originally planned for 22 May. Now the referenda
on Articles 2, 3 and 29 are to be held on the same day.
Both these referenda involve significant changes to the political
structures and environment of the 26 Counties. In the case of the
Amsterdam referendum voters are being asked to decide on a Treaty
that needs a 176 page White Paper to outline the proposals and
declarations in it.
The 26-County state will be commiting itself to substantial
changes in the military role of the EU. They will be giving more
powers to unelected EU officials such as the EU Commission
president and individual member states could lose their right to
appoint commissioners.
These are all serious issues that need careful consideration. As
it is 26-County voters have little information on the Amsterdam
Treaty. There is almost no public debate on its controversial
provisions. This is not an acceptable environment in which to
conduct such an environment.
There is one obvious option for the Dublin Government. Postpone
the Amsterdam referendum and put in place structures to ensure
that all voters are properly informed as to not only the
provisions of the treaty but all shades of opinion for and
against the Treaty. Anything less is a dillution of our
democratic rights.
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