TAOISEACH BRIAN Cowen and the leaders of the other three pro-Lisbon parties will meet this afternoon to discuss the extent of co- operation and co-ordination during the campaign leading up to the referendum on October 2nd.
Mr Cowen, Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny, Labour Party leader Eamon Gilmore and Green Party leader John Gormley will also discuss the desirability of joint press conferences or appearances.
So far, the parties campaigning on the Yes side have ensured that there have been no clashes of schedules or no glaring inconsistencies between their respective messages.
However, some strategists in at least two of the parties have advised against too much formal co- ordination on the basis that there was a mixed response from the public to joint press conferences and appearances by leaders last year.
Party sources said the campaign budget would be less than the €750,000 spent last year and perhaps as low as €550,000. The lower figure would be as a result of the party using volunteer workers to put up posters and more competitive tenders for its printing needs.
The party’s campaign has two main themes: “Ireland Needs Europe” and “We’re Stronger with Europe”.
Its director of elections is the Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin, who said yesterday the core message would be that Europe has been positive for Ireland and that the new guarantees address the main concerns raised by people last year. Minister of State for European Affairs Dick Roche will also play a key role in the campaign.
The party will distribute 22,000 posters around the country this week, mostly through volunteer members.
This represents a marked increase in postering levels on last year. It will also distribute a four-page leaflet to most homes in the country.
Fianna Fáil says it is also setting up a dedicated website on its Lisbon campaign: www.strongerwith europe.ie. Leading party members will post web videos answering questions on the treaty posed by members of the public.
Fianna Fáil’s campaign last year was criticised in some quarters as lacklustre. Mr Cowen said yesterday that every unit of the party would be mobilised to mount a vigorous campaign.
There will also be an effort to ensure that the party’s TDs and Senators are more visible in their constituencies. A briefing was held yesterday for the parliamentary party and campaign directors have been appointed for every constituency.
Mr Martin gave a tacit admission of the limitations of over-co-operation between the parties.
