Lisbon rejection would cost jobs, claims Cowen
A second rejection of the Lisbon Treaty will cost Ireland jobs, Taoiseach Brian Cowen said today.
Cowen insisted the outcome of next month’s referendum will be seen by business leaders as an international declaration of the country’s attitude to Europe.
Attacking anti-Lisbon campaigners as naive and dangerous, Mr Cowen claimed they had to “get real” about the economic consequences of a another 'No' vote.
“In my view there is no doubt whatsoever that a second rejection of the treaty would have very serious and damaging consequences for Ireland,” he said.
“Especially now that our partners have responded in detail to concerns that were expressed the first time.”
Mr Cowen argued other member states will be able to use a second 'No' vote to paint Ireland as not fully committed to the EU.
This would help them when competing against the country for international investment.
Speaking before a Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Affairs, the Taoiseach warned Ireland had to be part of something greater than itself to thrive in the modern world.
“We are members of a club so we can benefit from it, but part of the price of any club membership is a commitment to respect the concerns and needs of other members as well,” he said.
“It can’t be, if you like, an a la carte membership.”
