Dear editor,
Last Thursday the Irish people decided to reject the proposed Lisbon Treaty on the basis that it did not serve the best interests of the peoples of Europe.

Despite certain media reports over the weekend, this development must be seen as playing a positive role in influencing the future direction of the EU.

The voters themselves must be accorded praise for making such a courageous decision on the back of mounting pressure from both Dublin and Brussels political representatives.

The reality is that we do reside within a democratic society and this allows us to the opportunity to choose an alternative outcome that may be contrary to beliefs held by the established political elite.

Sinn Féin acknowledges that with every decision taken lies responsibility. With this in mind the Government must now clearly articulate the issues raised within the Irish debate at the next Council of Minister's meeting. We must not be sheepish or apologetic in our approach but rather constructive in our dealings to renegotiate a better deal.

Among the very practical and reasonable issues, which we believe can be delivered are:

• The retention of a permanent Commissioner;
• The retention of existing voting strength at Council;
• Retention and strengthening of key strategic vetoes on tax, public services and international trade;
• Maintenance of the absolute right of Irish citizens to have the final say in any significant say in changes to the EU treaties;
• Specific article protecting our neutrality;
• Specific protocol explicitly exempting vital public services from rules of competition and state aid;
• Opt outs from expenditure on nuclear power and military capabilities;
• Inclusion of social progress clause and greater protections for workers rights;
• Active promotion of fair trade over free trade;
• Strengthening of the role of member state parliaments and of citizens.

We would finally like to thank all those in Galway involved in the 'no' campaign effort, particularly within Sinn Féin who put in huge efforts over the period.

However, this is not the time for relaxing, as we must continue to campaign at both a local and international level to secure a treaty that favours all the peoples of Europe equally.

Kind regards,
Anna Marley,
Doughiska,
PRO Galway West Sinn Féin

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