TAOISEACH BRIAN Cowen has warned that a Yes vote in the second referendum on the Lisbon Treaty is an “absolute must” for Ireland to enjoy economic recovery.
“This is an issue that is absolutely critical for our recovery, for continuing investment, for continuing to see Ireland as a location for continued investment which will bring much-needed jobs,” said Mr Cowen at an EU leaders’ summit in Prague yesterday. “I think there is sufficient maturity and discernment among all of our electorate now in the present circumstances to recognise that this is an absolute must,” he added.
Mr Cowen met the new Czech prime minister, Jan Fischer, yesterday for talks on agreeing the legal guarantees on the treaty at next month’s summit. He said Mr Fisher was committed to proceeding with the matter during the Czech Republic’s presidency.
Mr Cowen dismissed fears Czech president Vaclav Klaus could chair the summit and cause problems with the guarantees.