comments on the Lisbon Treaty debate
THE CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE
3 Wallace Avenue, Lisburn BT27 4AA
23 AUGUST 2009
Press Release
NO EMBARGO
The following is a statement by the Church of Ireland Gazette editor, Canon Ian Ellis, on the Lisbon Treaty referendum debate.
I hope that there will be a 'clean' debate on the Lisbon Treaty in the run-up to the 2nd October referendum. Both sides must avoid character attacks and unjustified accusations of lying. If either side makes an incorrect statement, that is not necessarily a lie. Lies are deliberate and deceptive statements made in the full knowledge that they are wrong.
I hope that there will be a 'clean' debate on the Lisbon Treaty in the run-up to the 2nd October referendum. Both sides must avoid character attacks and unjustified accusations of lying. If either side makes an incorrect statement, that is not necessarily a lie. Lies are deliberate and deceptive statements made in the full knowledge that they are wrong.
The Churches have a role in this debate in terms of encouraging people to participate, to engage in 'fair play' and, on 2nd October, to exercise their democratic right to vote. There are serious arguments on both sides of the Lisbon discussion and everyone has the right to be heard and respected. However, the Churches themselves, as institutions, should remain neutral.
The fact that the people are being asked to vote again on the treaty indicates the seriousness of the situation. On the other hand, it is not fair to suggest that the Lisbon vote is about being at the heart of Europe or about being good Europeans. That kind of moral blackmail is not 'fair play'. The referendum is only about the Lisbon Treaty and its provisions for the EU. Is this how the EU should be? That is the question for voters and they should feel entirely free to express their wishes.
I was surprised that the European Commission entered the Irish debate on Saturday, commenting on the Farmers For No group's understanding of the treaty. Challenges made to whatever groups in the referendum run-up should be made by the Irish parties involved and should not eminate from the European institutions. Inevitably, there will be differences over the interpretation of the treaty, but it is not for the EU itself, or any of its institutions, to enter into what must now be an Irish discussion. Because the debate is about the nature of the EU, the EU must 'leave the room'. [ENDS]
I was surprised that the European Commission entered the Irish debate on Saturday, commenting on the Farmers For No group's understanding of the treaty. Challenges made to whatever groups in the referendum run-up should be made by the Irish parties involved and should not eminate from the European institutions. Inevitably, there will be differences over the interpretation of the treaty, but it is not for the EU itself, or any of its institutions, to enter into what must now be an Irish discussion. Because the debate is about the nature of the EU, the EU must 'leave the room'. [ENDS]
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Canon Ian Ellis, Editor
Tel. from NI: 07930-256564
Tel. from Republic of Ireland 0044-7930-256564
The Church of Ireland Gazette is editorially independent.
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