Menu
21/03/2002
SDLP leader warns Ireland against Euroscepticism
SDLP leader Mark Durkan has told delegates attending the final session of the National Forum on Europe that to reject the Nice Treaty would be “foolhardy”.
The SDLP leader made clear his party’s vigorous support for ratification of the Nice Treaty at the forum on Europe at Dublin Castle on Thursday March 21.
The Treaty of Nice, which envisages an enlargement of Europe and its powers, was agreed at Nice by Heads of State in December 2000 and signed by the Foreign Ministers of the 15 Member States on 26 February 2001. However Ireland’s voters rejected it last year in a referendum by 53.87 per cent to 46.13 per cent.
Speaking on Thursday Mr Durkan put forth a strong case for Ireland’s place in the European community and the benefits of ratifying the Treaty.
“Euroscepticism is no more noble in Ireland than it is in Britain,” Mr Durkan said.
“It would drag the entire country back towards a narrow smug self-serving nationalism, retard the human rights of citizens and reduce the international reputation Ireland enjoys world wide. No convincing case for Euroscepticism Irish style can be made.”
Mr Durkan also highlighted the SDLP’s support for the Euro and the need for its introduction north of the border.
“The EU has been vital in promoting closer relations between the two parts of the island and crucially between these islands. We have already abolished the economic border. We hope soon that we will also eliminate the monetary frontier by succeeding in bringing Northern Ireland into the single currency. The SDLP believes firmly that the UK should be part of the eurozone. The long-term benefits of euro membership are clear and substantial.”
(AMcE)
The SDLP leader made clear his party’s vigorous support for ratification of the Nice Treaty at the forum on Europe at Dublin Castle on Thursday March 21.
The Treaty of Nice, which envisages an enlargement of Europe and its powers, was agreed at Nice by Heads of State in December 2000 and signed by the Foreign Ministers of the 15 Member States on 26 February 2001. However Ireland’s voters rejected it last year in a referendum by 53.87 per cent to 46.13 per cent.
Speaking on Thursday Mr Durkan put forth a strong case for Ireland’s place in the European community and the benefits of ratifying the Treaty.
“Euroscepticism is no more noble in Ireland than it is in Britain,” Mr Durkan said.
“It would drag the entire country back towards a narrow smug self-serving nationalism, retard the human rights of citizens and reduce the international reputation Ireland enjoys world wide. No convincing case for Euroscepticism Irish style can be made.”
Mr Durkan also highlighted the SDLP’s support for the Euro and the need for its introduction north of the border.
“The EU has been vital in promoting closer relations between the two parts of the island and crucially between these islands. We have already abolished the economic border. We hope soon that we will also eliminate the monetary frontier by succeeding in bringing Northern Ireland into the single currency. The SDLP believes firmly that the UK should be part of the eurozone. The long-term benefits of euro membership are clear and substantial.”
(AMcE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 October 2002
Irish 'Yes' to Nice Treaty gives EU enlargement go ahead
Ireland went to the polls on Saturday for a rerun of what has been a bitterly contested campaign over the Nice Treaty for EU enlargement. In a complete turnaround from the June 2001 vote, Ireland backed the treaty with an overwhelming 62% - which represented a 16% swing from last year's rejection.
Irish 'Yes' to Nice Treaty gives EU enlargement go ahead
Ireland went to the polls on Saturday for a rerun of what has been a bitterly contested campaign over the Nice Treaty for EU enlargement. In a complete turnaround from the June 2001 vote, Ireland backed the treaty with an overwhelming 62% - which represented a 16% swing from last year's rejection.
24 September 2009
SDLP Leader Wades Into Lisbon Debate
The leader of the SDLP was in Dublin yesterday to discuss the Lisbon Treaty. Mark Durkan (pictured) and the party's Deputy Leader Alasdair McDonnell led a party delegation to a meeting attended by other pro-Lisbon supporters including Irish government ministers.
SDLP Leader Wades Into Lisbon Debate
The leader of the SDLP was in Dublin yesterday to discuss the Lisbon Treaty. Mark Durkan (pictured) and the party's Deputy Leader Alasdair McDonnell led a party delegation to a meeting attended by other pro-Lisbon supporters including Irish government ministers.
26 November 2024
All NI Schools To Have Defibrillators By End Of Academic Year
All schools in Northern Ireland will be provided with life-saving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) by the end of the current academic year.
All NI Schools To Have Defibrillators By End Of Academic Year
All schools in Northern Ireland will be provided with life-saving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) by the end of the current academic year.
20 September 2009
DURKAN, SMITH CANVASS FOR LISBON IN CAVAN
SDLP Leader Mark Durkan MP MLA will join Brendan Smith TD in Cavan town on Tuesday 29th September to canvass for a Yes vote in Friday’s referendum on the Lisbon Treaty. The canvassing team will meet at Tesco Supermarket on Main Street, Cavan at 6:30PM.
DURKAN, SMITH CANVASS FOR LISBON IN CAVAN
SDLP Leader Mark Durkan MP MLA will join Brendan Smith TD in Cavan town on Tuesday 29th September to canvass for a Yes vote in Friday’s referendum on the Lisbon Treaty. The canvassing team will meet at Tesco Supermarket on Main Street, Cavan at 6:30PM.
22 November 2024
SDLP Calls For Action On Food Bank Crisis
The SDLP has called on the Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, to outline how he intends to tackle food bank reliance across Northern Ireland.
SDLP Calls For Action On Food Bank Crisis
The SDLP has called on the Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, to outline how he intends to tackle food bank reliance across Northern Ireland.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
