Since Generation YES was launched in April we have been talking about the real issues in the Lisbon Treaty. We’ve spoken about Climate Change, Democracy, Green jobs, Human Trafficking, the need for better leadership from the EU in the world and the positive effect that Irish and European Peacekeeping missions have had in war- torn countries. We have driven the debate week by week through factual research, logical argument and constant references back to what this debate is about: a treaty agreed by 27 governments, forged in a spirit of cooperation that lays the groundwork for the EU to succeed into the future.

This campaign has seen nothing but lies and duplicity from the NO side, as they deviate further and further from the truth in an attempt to claim some relevance in the face of a well informed public supported by a YES campaign with the facts on their side. The calculated use of threats about the minimum wage, abortion and euthanasia which have no relation to the treaty serve as examples of the type of campaign run by the opposition: a campaign built on cynicism, deception and fear-mongering that we should not allow to win.

Ireland has a proud tradition of making decisions through referenda. Just as representative democracy stands as a symbol of the people putting their faith and trust in their representatives and the state, a referendum is the corresponding sign of the state and her elected representatives putting their faith and trust in Irish people. We know that the people of Ireland are worthy of that faith and trust.

This Friday, that greatest of responsibilities falls once again upon the people of Ireland- And it is vitally important that we turn out to exercise our franchise in the tens and thousands and millions: because that day will mark a crucial decision- a decision on Ireland’s future, the implications of which will ring for generations. In these final hours until the polls close on Friday night we must not succumb to complacency, or indeed to tiredness: but rather seize with both hands our final opportunity to win hearts and change minds.

In these final moments, speak to your friends, your family, your neighbours, hand out leaflets, tell the nice people on facebook that you are voting YES and why, join us for a few hours more canvassing in the streets of our biggest cities and smallest villages and finally, most importantly, on October 2nd: Get out and vote- and with resounding cry, join us in saying YES