Tuam-based businessman Declan Ganley is to lead the charge against the proposed European Reform Treaty.

A businessman with extensive telecommunications operations throughout Europe and the world, Ganley lived in Glenamaddy, Co Galway, from the age of 12. He formed the think-tank Libertas in 2006 with the aim of "campaigning for greater democratic accountability and transparency in the institutions of the EU and developing innovative policies which can benefit Europe and foster a more positive relationship between those institutions and the citizens for whom they legislate."

Ireland is the only country whose citizens will vote on the treaty, as it makes significant changes to our constitutional arrangements.

The government is backing the treaty, with local TD Noel Treacy saying the treaty "seeks to make the operation of the European Union more effective and more efficient".

"The European Union has been in existence now for 50 years. It is understandable that it needs to update and modernise how decisions are taken at a European level," said Deputy Treacy, an ex-Minister of State for European Affairs.

The referendum date has not yet been set, although Environment Minister John Gormley is currently setting up a Referendum Commission. Unlike during previous referenda, the commission will not lay out both sides of the argument, but will explain the treaty and encourage people to vote.

Mr Ganley's organisation, Libertas, will be campaigning for a 'No' vote in the referendum. For the first time, the Green Party will be advocating a 'Yes' vote, due to its participation in government, but Sinn Féin and a number of other groups, including People Before Profit and the Irish Anti-War Movement will be joining Libertas in the 'No' campaign.

Libertas is overseen by Naoise Nunn, and supported by a range of individuals from within the 27 EU member states, including University of Limerick President Emeritus Dr Roger Downer. It is funded through private donation, although Mr Ganley is not permitted, by law, to contribute more than €6,400 per year to the campaign.

Comments (0) »

Show/Hide comment form

Name

Email

Title

Comment

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment