Louth Green Party

" Some of the reasons I've heard for proposing a no vote aren't actually in the treaty, so I think we should stick to the facts and deal with future situations as they arise. The commitment to the equality of member states is very strong in this treaty, from Malta right through to Germany. A lot of focus has been placed on Ireland losing its commissioner for certain periods, but that is the same for all nations. In fact up until 2004 the larger ten nations had two commissioners, with the smaller five having one each. That created a European Commission that was too big and unwieldy. Those nations gave up their second commissioner soon after, and will now do the same for their sole commissioner for five years out of every 15. I think in terms of parity of impact, the larger nations have taken a double whammy, and it's not unreasonable for Ireland to be expected to give up some of its privileges. There are 27 member states and there simply isn't enough portfolios to go around to keep everyone happy. We already suffer from a surplus of portfolios, both within the EU and our own government. When you start creating more and more positions it brings good governance into disrepute. Sometimes making the hard decisions is necessary; the Lisbon Treaty is an example of that."

Another provision of the Reform Treaty is the creation of a new High Representative. A development Mark Dearey believes should create a more effective European Union, especially when negotiating with the other global powers.

" The treaty creates a post of High Representative, which essentially is a Minister for Foreign Affairs for Europe. He will speak on foreign affairs issues for Europe with the exception of defence, where we retain our veto power. I think this is a good thing, because as Henry Kissinger once said: " If I want to talk to Europe, who do I call?" Previously that was a very difficult question to answer, and Kissinger certainly didn't know the answer. The treaty ensures that from now on any foreign minister will know who to speak to in the EU. Opponents of the treaty have claimed we are creating a single voice and moving closer towards Federalism. That is one way of interpreting the changes, but I see this as a positive step. Europe has a strong tradition of social democracy, and I believe that one voice will inevitably be a social democratic one."

He added: "To a large extent this treaty is about trusting the European political tradition. Anyone that has travelled on the continent, or experienced the political maturity that exists in many of these countries, there is a sense that we are putting our faith in that tradition and that it is going to carry on into the future. Personally, I have a considerable degree of trust in the democratic institutions of Europe."

Supporters and opponents alike met in the Hillgrove Hotel last month to debate this treaty and what it meant for Ireland. One of the more memorable quotes on the night came from Monaghan county councillor Matt Carthy, who revealed that only six words of the entire text were devoted to the issue of climate change. This was entirely insufficient in Cllr Carthy's opinion, and a significant reason why eco-conscious citizens should return a no vote. As a member of the Green party, the issue of global warming and climate change has particular resonance with Mark Dearey, so does he agree with Matt Carthy's opinion that this is far from an environmentally sound treaty? "I think it's a facile argument to suggest that because of the amount of words used, this means the commitment isn't real. The section on climate change isn't a large part of the overall treaty document, but all it takes is a few words to say that Europe is now committed to tackling climate change. For the first time the treaty gives the EU the legal basis for addressing the issue. Up until now European treaties have been silent on climate change; now there is legal recognition it is happening, and efforts have to be taken to tackle the problem. At the Bali negotiations last December, Europe was undoubtedly the most active voice for tackling climate change. In fact the EU allowed John Gormley to lead the discussions, as they believed he was the most committed on the issue. That meant the big nations of the EU: France, Germany, Spain, Italy, they all stood back and allowed John to take the lead when it came to negotiations with China, Russia, Canada and the United States."

He added: "This has been prioritized as a red-line issue. Europe recognises that it has been a contributor to the massive CO2 debt that the world has, and should therefore take a leading role in combating the problem. The EU has committed to a 20% reduction in CO2 levels by 2020, and now under this treaty there is a legal obligation to meet that target."

Commitments and targets have been set previously of course; unfortunately few have been fulfiled. Kyoto was the most famous of these, but as Mark Dearey explains, the Kyoto Agreement was never intended as a solution to the problem, just a first step on the long road we face in safeguarding the future of the planet.

" Kyoto was significant because it was the first time the international community recognised there was a problem. It only marginally affected the level of greenhouse gas being omitted, and by itself was a wholly inadequate response to climate change. The next UN climate conference in Copenhagen in 2010 will have to be Kyoto times ten."

Not surprisingly the issue of climate change generated a great level of debate among those in attendance, with young green leader Michael O'Callaghan first to express his views.

"Each European country has committed itself to reducing greenhouse gas emissions under Kyoto and the Bali roadmap. This treaty will ensure that these commitments are enforced. It's not just on a voluntary basis anymore, but a legal commitment to combating climate change."

From there the discussion moved towards energy consumption, a key factor if the problem of greenhouse gas emissions is to be adequately addressed.

Carrickmacross town councillor Vincent P Martin used this shift in emphasis to enter the proceedings.

"There is a common policy on energy use in this treaty, and how it is used and protected. The treaty ensures the proper function of the energy market, in particular energy supply and efficiency, and the development of new forms of renewable energy."

Mark Dearey followed on from this: "I don t agree with all the commitments we have to renewable energy, the benefits of biofuel are questionable in my opinion. We are absolutely committed to moving away from fossil fuels, however. But the most affective way of cutting down on greenhouse gases at the present time is energy saving. Before you look at where the new sources are coming from, you have to look at using what we have far more effectively. We could comfortably use half the energy we do without any significant changes to our lifestyles. The government have set aside EUR100m for attic insulation across the country, with the first 2000 houses being done at the moment. Developments like these are a huge step forward." He added: We have to get much more savvy about how we get around. Petrol is running out, so there is going to have to be a gradual move back to public transport. We need to plan that properly, and make public transport a realistic alternative to people. Once we have exhausted the huge possibilities for energy saving, then the question can be asked of how we generate the energy we need. In Ireland's case I think it will be a mix of tidal, solar, wind and biomass. Fossil fuels will have a role to play for the next 30 years in ever decreasing measures year on year. Nuclear I don't think will be an option in this country, and it's up to other counties to decide if they use these methods."

The issue of climate change is one were consensus seems to have formed among almost everyone, bar a deranged few like Jeremy Clarkson. On Irish neutrality, or the common European security and defence policy, however, the lines of opposition are more clearly defined. According to Mark Dearey, those that oppose the treaty on these grounds have legitimate causes for concern. Although when analysing the Lisbon Treaty fully, these fears are unfounded in his opinion.

"Where opponents of the treaty are on strong ground is the issue of common European security and defence. The question here is: do you consider involvement in the common security and defence policy to be in breach of our traditional neutrality? Certainly members of Roger Cole's Peace and Neutrality Alliance would say yes. They would have a very hardline belief in neutrality and what it means. I would be in total agreement with them when they say we are not being neutral with the use of Shannon airport. The use of Shannon has been included in the programme for govern ment, and it's an issue I hope to see resolved in the near future. That being said, I don't see the treaty being a serious threat to our neutrality. It will commit us to the Petersburg tasks, which are humanitarian and rescue missions, crisis management, peacekeeping and peacemaking - peacemaking being a more assertive function of the armies than peacekeeping. This could involve disarmament operations and post conflict stabilisation measures. There is an expanded role under security and defence, and the arguments that say it is another step towards a European army have their merit. This isn't the creation of a EU army, however, and any issues on defence maintain our veto. We have a triple lock mechanism to protect our interests. For military action to take place, first the Dail must agree, then the President, then finally the UN must mandate the mission. So the possibility of Ireland being involved in a war is still a long way off."

Also key to the provisions of the Lisbon Treaty was the inclusion of the fundamental charter on human rights. Here both Mark Dearey and Vincent P Martin are adamant about the benefits.

"The other main issue for me is the recognition of the fundamental charter on Human Rights. This makes the charter legally binding on the EU's institutions and member states when they are implementing European law. So from now on if someone's human rights are being breached, then the fundamental charter will be there as the ultimate guide for European courts," said the Louth councillor.

Vincent P Martin added: "Through recognising the fundamental charter on human rights, individuals now have a right of access to the European Court of Justice if there is a breach, be it equality, employment rights, discrimination, and that is a massive step."

Mark Dearey, Vincent P Martin and Michael O' Callaghan then save their concluding remarks on le Lisbon Treaty and what it means for this country, and indeed Europe as a whole. Mark Dearey: " I think the reform treaty will help Europe work more effectively. Yes we will have less commission time, but that stands for the other nations also. The parliament will have increased rights, so our MEP's have more power. There will be a minister for Foreign Affairs for the European Union, which is a good thing in my opinion. Climate change is now legally incorporated into the treaty. Lastly there is an expanded role in security and common defence, which is uncomfortable for many people. But we have to remember that with any agreement between 27 states, there has to be an element of give and take. On balance there is much more good than bad in this treaty and that is why I'll be voting yes."

Michael O'Callaghan. "The young greens are very much pro-Europe and are strongly involved with the Federation of Young European Greens. I was selected as part of the green future team, which is 15 young people from all over Europe giving advice on the future of the planet. That will run up until the green summer university at the end of August in Poland, and that's just an example of the opportunities available through co-operation between nations."

Vincent P Martin: " I regret some of the irresponsible remarks that have been made by both the yes and no camps regarding the treaty. I'm for all a robust debate . that present the facts to argue a point. I think elements of the no campaign risk alienating other members of Europe with some of their remarks. The whole issue of the European army and the loss of the European commissioner has been blown out of all proportion by certain political parties, and I believe it does no good for Ireland's strong links with Europe."

The Young Greens will launch in South Monaghan with a Fair-Tradc Father Ted event in the Green Party Constituency offices at 2 Church Street, Carrickmacross on the 23rd of May. For further information call 086 - 3483896