Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny has called for "an honest and rational debate" on the Lisbon Treaty and highlighted the importance of the forthcoming referendum for Ireland's economic future.
Mr Kenny who was speaking at meeting on the treaty in Castlebar, Co Mayo tonight said that a strong Yes vote would send a powerful message internationally that Ireland continues to be committed to the reforms necessary to equip the EU to meet the economic and political challenges it faces.
One of those singled out for criticism this evening was businessman Ulick McEvaddy, who Kenny said, had used simplictic arguments in dismissing the Treaty. Yesterday, the prominent aviation entrepreneur publicly backed the campaign for a No vote in the Lisbon Treaty on the grounds that it is "unintelligible drivel" and will adversely affect Ireland's low tax regime.
"I firmly believe that this debate must be an honest and rational one. It must be based on facts, rather than on misinformation. I fully respect the right of people to oppose the Treaty but I call on them to focus their arguments on the actual Treaty provisions rather than on unrelated issues," said Mr Kenny.
Mr Kenny said that he believed that Ireland's future interests are best served by the country remaining at the heart of a dynamic, efficient and democratic European Union.
"Far from being a threat to our economic prosperity, I firmly believe that EU membership has been pivotal and essential to Ireland's success story. It has ended our economic dependence on Britain and opened up new and fruitful markets for Irish products. When we couldn't afford to invest in our infrastructure, it was our European partners who stepped in. If they hadn't, the economic progress of the past 15 years would not have been possible," he said.
"At this time of economic uncertainty in Ireland, with growth forecasts falling, unemployment rapidly rising, tax revenues much lower than forecast, and a record Budget deficit in prospect, it is more important than ever that Ireland continues to strengthen its place at the heart of the European Union.
Elsewhere, Minister for Defence, Willie O'Dea also warned of the need for factual debate at a meeting held in Limerick city tonight.
"I want to see a truthful debate. Bogus, false or misleading claims about the Treaty designed to scare the electorate are in nobody's interests," said Mr O'Dea.
It is an insult to the public's intelligence to listen to Anti Lisbon Treaty campaigners urging a No Vote claiming it will protect the low rates of Corporation Tax they have spent their careers opposed. It is the Yes side who have defended and protected our low rates of corporation tax over the years, in the teeth of opposition from some of those now on the No side," added Mr O'Dea.
Speaking at a debate in Dundalk tonight, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dermot Ahern, warned voters that the referendum was not to be treated lightly.
"The decision we arrive at on 12th June will be a decision not just about the wording of a European Treaty, but about our country's future. The choice we have to make is between moving forward with our European partners and meeting together the challenges of the 21st century, or turning our backs on a Union that has helped transform Ireland.
Separately, Sinn Féin MEP Mary Lou McDonald challenged the EU Parliament president this afternoon, accusing senior figures within the EU Commission and Parliament of suppressing information from the Irish electorate in advance of the referendum on the Lisbon Treaty.
