Businesses agree Lisbon is the way forward

GenYES applaud Intel’s Jim O’Hara for his straight-talking approach to the Lisbon referendum.

O’Hara attributes Ireland’s attractiveness as a business destination to our “connectedness to Europe, along with free access to vast EU markets, and our country’s ability to punch above its weight in influencing European affairs as a result of having a solid reputation as a committed team player.”

He said that a Yes vote would send unambiguous signals to EU partners and to global investors that Ireland wants to remain strongly connected to the European Union.

GenYES agree that saying Yes to Lisbon will restore confidence in the Irish economy, but not only that, it will boost the economy by growing the renewable energy, and research and technology industries.

No side are once again spreading myths and untruths says Generation YES

The No side are once again spreading untruths and misinformation about the Lisbon Treaty and obscuring the real issues in Lisbon, particularly around defence policy, says Generation YES.

There is no EU army, and no conscription. Not now, not ever.

What Lisbon will do is to help peace-keepers from different countries co-ordinate their resources and work together in crisis zones, meaning our troops in Chad will have support from other EU states and allowing Ireland to continue our proud tradition of peace-keeping.

The EU was founded to make sure that there could never be another war in Europe.  The Lisbon Treaty allows the EU to continue to pursue the aims of peace, justice and freedom upon which it was founded.

Under Lisbon, EU countries will only be able to use defence policy for peacekeeping, conflict-prevention and strengthening International Security, in accordance with the UN Charter. (Article 43(2) TEU). While the new position of High Representative for Foreign Affairs will make the EU a stronger voice for justice and peace in the world.

A new feature on the Gen YES website is guest blogs.  If you have an idea for a blog let us know at info@generatioyes.ie.

We’re kicking off with some thoughts on fundamental rights protection from Stephen Spillane, who blogs on all things political and European at stephenspillane.com

The Lisbon Treaty will increase your rights

The Lisbon Treaty will increase your rights. The Lisbon Treaty brings in two things which the EU has to take into account when making new directives and regulations. What are these things? The Charter of Fundamental Rights and the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.

The Charter of Fundamental Rights will bring together all the rights that have come about through EU Laws and judgments. This document will then have the same status as a treaty meaning everything the EU does must reflect it.

Some say that the Charter is worthless, but if it is worthless why is it too much for the Governments of the UK and Poland?

John Monks, the General Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation, said in a speech to the Irish Congress of Trade Unions in July of this year that: “it was a step forward compared to existing provisions, for example in relation to the legal enforcements of the Charter of Fundamental Rights, commitments to full employment, the social market economy and public services.”

The Charter sets out your rights in six sections: Dignity, Freedoms, Equality, Solidarity, Citizens’ Rights, and Justice. Article 2 specifically protects the right to life, so the Charter will not lead to abortion.

The second aspect is that the Lisbon Treaty will allow the EU to sign up to the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. Ireland is already signed up to this and it has brought about a number of Human Rights for people in Ireland. Having the EU sign up, means that if we think the EU has infringed on our rights we can take them to court. This is an important development for citizens and it means the EU has to be aware of our rights in everything it does.

The EU of course has led to many improvements in Human Rights in this country, in the area of discrimination especially. Equal pay, discrimination in the workplace and other rights protections have been brought in to Ireland thanks to the EU.

So let us keep Human Rights at the core of Europe and Vote Yes on October 2nd.

Blog: http://stephenspillane.com/

Generation YES welcomes the announcement that airtime in the Lisbon 2009 debate will be based on fairness to all interests rather than strict equality.

The strict equality rule meant that small, independent groups and well-resourced and financed political parties had to compete for airtime, leaving little chance for a full and fair debate.  The new guidelines will allow Gen YES and the other Yes organisations to counter misinformation and make sure the 2009 debate will be an honest and lively one that represents many perspectives.