SURVEY:MOST INDEPENDENT economists believe the State's economic interests are likely best served by a Yes vote on Lisbon, a survey published yesterday noted.
The study, Assessment of the Impact of the Lisbon Treaty on the Irish Economy, collated the responses of 66 non-government and academic economists to a number of questions on the economic impact of the result of the Lisbon vote.
Just under 91 per cent of the economists expressed the belief a Yes vote best-served the economic interests of the State. “That’s quite an extraordinary consensus from a profession not always known for agreeing,” said Alan Gray, managing director of Indecon International Consultancy Group, which conducted the research.
“Whether it is because economists are afraid to put their heads above the parapet and get involved in debates at the moment, or whether they are all involved in Nama or the crisis in the public finances, it is surprising how little input into the debate has come from the professional economics areas,” he said.
Sixty-five per cent said passing the treaty was likely to facilitate foreign direct investment, while 31 per cent felt it would have no impact. A large majority (82 per cent) said a Yes vote was likely to help develop international confidence in the Irish economy, while 75 per cent indicated passing it would “significantly assist management” of Irelands relationships with the EU, with 75 per cent also saying a Yes would “significantly enhance” Irelands reputation.
The report stated a number of economists expressed concern over the impact of a No vote on the cost of borrowing. The report is available at www.indecon.ie
