Kenny weighs in behind Nice
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny has placed his party squarely behind a 'Yes' vote in the next Nice referendum.
Speaking at today's session of the Forum on Europe, he said: "I believe that in the handling of the first Nice Treaty and the rhetoric surrounding it, the people were forgotten - both the electorate here in Ireland and all those families and individuals waiting to join the EU."
He added: "Ten of the applicant countries will soon be ready to become members of the Union. This means that the Amsterdam Treaty, which would allow for the acceptance of only five new member states, now cannot be used as a mechanism for the enlargement process, unless some applicants are left out.
"Obviously, this is would be grossly unfair. EU enlargement must be equitable.
"I'm here as a strong advocate for a 'Yes' vote."
Mr Kenny said the Government was obliged to inform the public on the issues central to Nice.
"Nice showed us how little people actually know about Europe," he said.
Later this week, the Taoiseach is due to finalise the contents of a European Council Declaration, reiterating that the Treaty of Nice has no implications for Ireland's military neutrality.
"While this political declaration may go some way towards allaying public concerns, given the people's broader Euro-concern, it just won't be enough," said Mr Kenny, who said a comprehensive information campaign is needed.
