Lisbon Treaty: Minister Martin tells business leaders there is “no room for complacency”

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin T.D., has told business leaders that there can be no grounds for complacency surrounding the Lisbon Treaty, despite encouraging signs in recent opinion polls. He stressed that Ireland’s economic recovery will receive a strong boost if we send out a clear message that we intend to remain at the heart of Europe.

“This time round, we will all need to up our game,” the Minister said.  “We will all need to do more and to do it better, if we are to get the result that we sincerely believe to be in the interests of Ireland.”

The Minister was speaking at the headquarters of the Irish Business and Employers’ Confederation (IBEC) to representatives of 35 business and professional organisations at the launch of a new business alliance for Europe.  He said that now is the time to unequivocally confirm our commitment to the European Union and pointed to the steadfast support and solidarity of the Union during the current recession as an invaluable asset to Ireland.

“By virtue of our membership of the euro, we have had access to remarkable amounts of liquidity which the European Central Bank has made available to our financial system.  Interest rates are now at a record low.  The EU stimulus package will make €110 million for the electricity inter-connector with Britain.  It will also assist the roll out of broadband internet.”

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19th May 2009
Press Office