Day 23: The Fiscal Treaty

Posters ban cause annoyance in Fermoy. Joan Burton calls for a YES vote for an insurance policy. Sinn Féin say it will be difficult to change such rules in the future. Emer Costello says it will prove beneficial to Oireachtas Committees.

Fine Gael Cork East TD, Tom Barry, told voters that Declan "Ganley has shown his lack of respect for rural Ireland by completely flouting a poster ban that’s been in place in Fermoy for many years. " For this reason Tom Barry has asked for a YES vote.

Joan Burton spoke at the Women for Yes campaign. She advised women that the Stability treaty is a vital insurance fund for Ireland and Europe. She reiterated the positive effects of the EU on Ireland. She concluded by saying "Voting Yes gives us the certainty we need as women, mothers, politicians and citizens to plan for a certain future for Ireland and for Europe."

Under Article 13 of the Stability treaty The committees at the house of the Oireachtas would be given more powers according to Emer Costello, MEP.  She said "I believe these particular provisions of the Stability Treaty will raise awareness of wider European budgetary matters among Oireachtas members. It represents an opportunity for them to debate national and European-wide budgetary policies with their counterparts from across Europe - in short, it will promote a democratic European-wide debate on budgetary policy."

Sinn Féin Pearse Doherty said that there was a harsh reality that many of the rules will be impossible to change in the future. He said "This is a bad way to make law. It is a terrible way to make economic policy. Fiscal policy belongs in Oireachtas legislation not legally binding international agreements and constitutional amendments."

The Minister for Tourism has welcomed support for a YES vote from the Restaurants Association of Ireland. He said “The RAI acknowledges that the Stability Treaty is important for the Irish economy, and to help Ireland’s return to the financial markets. The Association echoes the Government position by referring directly to ‘Ireland’s future, growth and prosperity’.”