MEDIA COVERAGE:THE LISBON Treaty debate is being increasingly dominated by a "bunch of neo-cons, Trotskyites and 'Spuccers' [anti-abortion campaigners]", according to Green Party TD Ciarán Cuffe.
Mr Cuffe, his party’s justice spokesman, said he was increasingly angry that what he portrayed as unrepresentative splinter groups were dominating the airwaves and the media agenda.
He was speaking at a press conference, organised by his party, featuring two prominent environmentalists, broadcaster Duncan Stewart and Bruce Darrell of the Foundation for Sustainable Economics.
Mr Stewart said ratification of the treaty was essential, as it would improve the EU’s role in protecting the environment. He was also highly critical of Ireland’s “failures” in that regard.
“It’s a disgrace how we have managed our environment in Ireland. Over a very short period of the Celtic Tiger years, we have done a lot damage through mismanagement.”
Mr Stewart launched a broadside against anti-treaty group Libertas. He said its campaign was based on misinformation, and on claims that were completely unfounded. He also accused it of being a “right-wing American-backed neo-con operation”.
Minister for Communications Energy and Natural Resources Eamon Ryan stressed the importance of energy security and the lead role the EU had taken in climate change.
“We are going to need other fuels besides fossil fuels,” Mr Ryan said. “We recognise that in this transition, the European Union has taken a lead in climate change, with the 20.20.20 targets.” (The target is for 20 per cent renewable, a 20 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions, and 20 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency by 2020).
Mr Darrell said a united EU would be focused to deal with the enormous threats posed by climate change.
Senator Deirdre de Búrca stressed the environmental aspects of the treaty, including a specific reference to combating climate change.
“There is the citizens’ initiative, which will help the EU to shape environmental policies; and the enhanced co-decision functions of the European Parliament will be important in the integration of environmental protection.”
