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An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has described anti-Lisbon Treaty campaigners as loo-las of every shape and kind who advocate loony-left policies. But at least the loonies and loo-las know something about the Treaty; ask your average, fairly sane, Joe and Josephine Soap and they will, by and large, confess to gross ignorance of the major issues.
It is perhaps interesting that the Taoiseach made his rather un-PC statement at the launch of a guide for the construction and property industry, but felt no qualms about not providing a guide of any description to put us on the straight and narrow about Lisbon.
Instead he said that between now and the referendum date, "there will be a whole lot of loo-las of every kind and shape drifting around this country following the same nonsense that they followed since 1972". He went on to criticise Sinn Féin, saying "all sensible political parties" were voting 'Yes' but that "the loony left, led by a number of parties including Sinn Féin and Marxist-Leninist groups and the Socialist Party" were voting 'No'. Sinn Féin, being the major party on the opposition side, has, obviously, reacted angrily to his sentiments.
However, despite the bickering over the garden fence, neither side seems too concerned that the electorate is rather hazy on the issues, which probably explains the apparent leaning towards the no side. We tend to fear the unknown, don't you know? We know the main political parties – FF, FG, PDs, The Green Party and Labour – are in favour of the treaty, but why?
There has been talk about a yes vote negatively affecting our neutrality, enabling the EU to become a superpower, and Ireland surrendering power. There has also been talk about it improving democracy, making institutions more efficient and flexible and protecting smaller states. Hence the confusion, one suspects.
A show of hands at the end of a recent NUIG debate showed it was two to one on the 'No' side. It seems more people are listening and agreeing with the loonies and loo-las than are with the Taoiseach. Rather than engaging in slagging match, the Government and the supporting parties have some work to do convincing the electorate that Lisbon is the way to go.
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