YoughalOnline happened to be kind enough to ask me if I would be interested in writing a piece and I obliged. Simple as that.

http://notolisbontreaty.blogsome.com/2009/10/03/democracy-is-officially-dead-in-eu/

“The provisions of the Lisbon Treaty in the security and defence area are fully consistent with Ireland’s traditional policy of military neutrality. This is stated explicitly in the Decision adopted at the June 2009 European Council which will be attached to the Treaties as a Protocol at a later date. In the Treaties, the existing statement that the Union’s policy in this area “shall not prejudice the specific character of the security and defence policy of certain Member States” is maintained, along with the requirement for unanimity in relation to the launching of any mission. In order to remain fully consistent with the differing security and defence traditions of all the Member States, the Treaty also recognises the position of those Member States that are members of NATO.”

The Lisbon Treaty will result in a more democratic European parliament
False
There are no democratic European parliament until it is an instrument of the all power decisive Commission.

The Lisbon treaty will have no bearing on Ireland’s neutrality
False
It will, indeed, affect Irish neutrality. Read the latest post here, please:
http://notolisbontreaty.blogsome.com/

I could go on, but I’m an ordinary Portuguese working guy and I have no more spare time for the moment. Sorry.

I heard Gerreh on Morning Ireland earlier, he didn’t convince me, but then again, he rarely does.

Ulick McEvaddy and his blustering the day before didn’t either.

Sinn Fein’s conduct both in terms of economic policy (they don’t have one) and failure to condemn the behaviour of their lunatic fringe (the downright attempts to intimidate Eamon Gilmore and the SDLP in Dundalk, Ferris Snr. turning up on taxi duty for the killers of Gda McCabe-as well as Ferris Jnr’s earlier failure to condemn the attack while doing a Basic Instinct number on Pat Kenny) doesn’t exactly inspire confidence in me.

As far as Ganley goes, which isn’t far, his posters of tearful children on lighting columns up and down the country have been paid for by anti-Lisbonites in the UK, so he wouldn’t want to be moaning much about political funding.

Cowen was on the last word this evening, and spoke quite well, once he limited himself to the Lisbon vote. For once I agree with him, and think a yes vote is the way to go.

At least those in the Yes camp can explain themselves without interrupting, intimidating, and misleading those on the other side.

lighthouse – I don’t think it will go to a third vote. At least that is what Brian Cowen said today but then again it is hard to believe anythign that comes out of any Fianna Fail minister’s mouth these days.

Several are saying they’ll go their own way, not let Ireland stop them – and it is to some extent understandable, although the
initial position called for everyone’s agreement.

In such a case, what’s left for Ireland?
That’s right, yet another vote…

For those who don’t know the ‘story’ behind this vote…;-)

A Bedtime Story for all Nice Children and not so Maastricht Adults

http://ceolas.net/#eu7x

The Happy Family

Once upon a time there was a family treaty-ing themselves to a visit in Lisbon.
On the sunny day that it was they decided to go out together.
Everyone had to agree on what they would do.
“So”, said Daddy Brusselsprout “Let’s all go for a picnic!”
“No”, said Aunt Erin, “I don’t want to”.
Did they then think of something else, that they might indeed agree on?
Oh yes they did?
Oh no they didn’t!
Daddy Brusselsprout asked all the others anyway, isolating Erin, and then asked her if instead, she would like to go with them to
the park and eat out of a lunch basket….

Kids, we’ll finish this story tomorrow, and remember, in the EU yes means yes and no means yes as well!
.