Speaking following last Saturday's Nice Treaty Referendum, Sinn Féin spokesperson, David Forde has said that the efforts of the No side were to be highly commended against the range of forces that lined up to promote a Yes vote.
"The people have given a clear verdict on the Nice treaty and unlike the government last year, who chose to disregard the result, Sinn Féin accept and respect the peoples decision".
"The result is quite unsurprising given that the Yes side outspent the No campaign by 20 to 1. It is significant that the No vote actually also increased on the last time and Sinn Féin would like to commend all those unpaid No campaigners for their commitment and practical patriotism in working hard to attempt to present the real issues to the people".
"Now that the government have told us that Neutrality is enshrined in our constitution, Sinn Féin Loch gCarman are writing to An Taoiseach, asking him if he will act on the peoples expressed desire for military neutrality and cease facilitating U.S. Air Force military activity at Shannon Airport? The Irish people have no desire to assist any country in their various wars and it is vital that the Taoiseach respects that and is challenged on his commitment to our Neutrality."
"It is important now, that our politicians and media honestly examine what we have voted on. Have we simply voted for enlargement? Or have we taken a major step towards the creation of a Federal Europe with major decisions taken out of the hands of our own government? Surely we are all entitled to critically and honestly engage with the EU and Sinn Féin would remind the government that some 40% of our people share our concerns."
"If we have voted for jobs and growth as declared by FF's John Browne and Tony Dempsey, then the people of Wexford will hold Mr Browne and Mr Dempsey to that promise and eagerly await the announcements of badly needed new jobs. Or could this perhaps, turn out to be one more example of insincere promises made simply in order to get votes?"
"Finally, it is unacceptable that Ireland are forced to be the moral conscience of the EU when it comes to major decision making. If Europe is to be truly democratic then these decisions should be opened up to all member states instead of forcing our voters into a corner every time and subjecting the Irish electorate to emotional blackmail. What do the governments of Europe fear from their own peoples?"
