Drive for profits behind Nice Treaty - Higgins

"The real agenda of the Nice treaty is to consolidate and extend the massive economic power of the multinational corporations…

"The real agenda of the Nice treaty is to consolidate and extend the massive economic power of the multinational corporations," said Mr Joe Higgins TD.

 Joe Higgins
Mr Joe Higgins TD

Speaking today at the launch of the Socialist Party campaign for a no vote in the Nice Referendum he said, "ordinary people and small farmers in the applicant states will pay a heavy price under the EU."

He said multi-nationals, allowed to wield huge power by establishment political parties, have trampled the rights of ordinary people.

"The drive for super-profits by these companies was behind crucial economic policies in the EU," he added.

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Mr Higgins also accused the Government of being totally dishonest on the real significance of the Rapid Reaction Force, calling it the "beginning of a European army."

The reality now, he said was that some of the more powerful states want to have a military power to rival that of the United States.

The Irish people would oppose any such move if portrayed in its true colours, he concluded.

Luke Cassidy

Luke Cassidy

Luke Cassidy is Digital Production Editor of The Irish Times