Chrysalis

Yet again we are embroiled in a political debate here in Ireland, we vote on the #euref on the 31st, the treaty is designed to implement stricter fiscal controls over States budgets in an effort to ensure governments do not revert back to Celtic Tiger like economics and push us further down the road of austerity.
As per usual both sides are making their cases, however both seem to be arguing on points that are not directly related to the content of the Treaty, the content of course is the only question being asked of us on the 31st. Other issues and other questions are secondary to the #euref. The No side tell us ‘all will be well without ratification; we will get money in the future if we need it’. The Yes side tell us ‘if we need to access the ESM in the future we need to ratify’.
Now my point is simple, this referendum is about changing the rules on fiscal rectitude and enshrining those changes into our constitution. We as citizens should be welcoming this, we should be happy to see stricter controls over our politicians who for generations have shown an inability to manage the economy. We should also be aware that as partners in the EU we have a responsibility to each other not to jeopardise another’s economy through reckless planning at home.
For me this is a simple choice, a mature choice to enshrine controls that will ensure we, and our neighbours, will control our deficits. For me this is a simple choice of treating our economy, and those of our neighbours, with respect. With a week to go I would ask that all sides stick to the topic. The No side need to be more accurate in their claims and the Yes side need to focus on the Treaty content and why voting Yes is a good idea and stop the constant reference to the ESM.
So to one of the main arguments being used by the No side, which we will or are losing our sovereignty! Is this really true, I don’t think so, I am pro EU, I am a believer in the peace and stability that this project has brought to Europe and by extension many other regions of the world. I acknowledge the benefit that the EU has been to Ireland since we joined, I drive the roads etc and know (thinking of some planning decisions we have seen) that if we were alone we would still be driving on bohereens.
As a proud Cork man I do not fear losing sovereignty to Germany or anyone else. I suppose it’s easier for us here in the People Republic not to fear it because we haven’t even ceded our sovereignty to the Irish Republic…