Interview: No vote would be 'suicidal', says former Irish PM[fr][de] 

Fitzgerald urged voters to recognise that Ireland has been the single "greatest beneficiary of EU membership," saying the trade openings brought by the EU allowed the country's economy to flourish in recent decades, leading economists to dub the country the "Celtic Tiger".  

He also says the treaty represents a good deal for Ireland as it allows it to keep its sovereignty in key policy areas. "We have kept all the vetoes we need in the key areas of trade negotiations, defense and taxation."

The outcome of the referendum remains on a knife-edge, as the latest opinion polls show the 'yes' vote down three points at 41%, while the 'no' side is up five points to 33%. A whopping 26% remain undecided. 

The former Taoiseach lashed out at the "propaganda" of the 'no' campaign, stating that "almost every statement they have made is incorrect". As an example, he cited "the claim that our veto in changes on direct tax could be overturned by the European Courts on competition grounds has no foundation, yet that is the claim the 'no' side is making in order to worry people".

He was equally critical, however, of the response of the 'yes' campaign, which he claims has been too late in coming. "While the 'yes' campaign is good and does answer all the relevant points, it has come very late, and a lot of people have already been persuaded by the propaganda against the treaty," he said.  

Fitzgerald also claimed there was "huge Irish input" into the framing and content of the treaty. "It's our treaty more than anybody else's," he said, highlighting the contribution of the 2004 Irish EU presidency and Irish MEPs. 

Dr Fitzgerald told EurActiv that the consequences of a 'no' vote would be "very damaging" for Ireland in the EU. Echoing the words of European Commission President José Manuel Barroso, who claimed that there is "no plan B" in the event of an Irish 'no', Dr Fitzgerald admitted "we don't know precisely what those consequences would be".

"What would the other member states do? Are they going to allow the Lisbon Treaty reforms to be blocked by this or are they going to set up a community of 26 inside the community of 27, marginalising us?"

"We've got all the assurances we need, so we have no reason to vote against it," the former Taoiseach concluded.

To read the interview in full, please click here.