Cowen Welcomes John Hume's Support for Nice Treaty
I am delighted that John Hume has added his voice to those supporting a Yes vote in the Treaty of Nice referendum. As a political leader and statesman for whom the Irish people rightly have the highest regard, his endorsement of the Treaty is a step of considerable significance.
In view of his outstanding record in promoting peace and reconciliation on this island, and his long-standing recognition of the importance to this task of the European dimension and of our common membership of the European Union, his confirmation that the Treaty "is right for Ireland and right for a confident Ireland in Europe" will be seen as valuable reassurance by those confused by claim and counter claim over recent weeks.
In coming out clearly in support of the Treaty, John Hume has aligned himself with ICTU, IFA, IBEC, and the Catholic Bishops Conference and all the main political parties. I am confident the Irish people will yet again decline to take their lead from the ‘no' lobby whose antipathy to the European Union is well-known and whose policies pose a real and credible risk to the political, economic and social interests of this country.
