This article is from page 4 of the 2012-05-08 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 4 JPG
CLARE’S six Oireachtas members gathered in front of Daniel O’Connell on the top of O’Connell Street, Ennis, on Friday last, canvassing in unison for a Yes vote on the Stability Treaty.
TDs and senators across the three parties – Fine Gael, Labour and Fianna Fáil – agreed that accepting this treaty was in Ireland’s interest.
Clare Fianna Fáil TD and the party’s Director of Elections for the referendum, Timmy Dooley was aware, however, that although his Clare Dáil colleagues of all political persuasions were in agreement with the treaty, the same could not be said about all within his own party.
As the Fianna Fáil frontman on the Stability Treaty Referendum, the Clare TD must deal with the decision of former minister Éamonn Ó Cuiv, and his supporters in Galway West, not to support the treaty.
Deputy Dooley told The Clare People that he was not particularly worried about the Galway West TD’s stance, stating that the party’s recommendation for a Yes vote had received a lot of support in Galway West.
“Éamonn Ó Cuiv from the get-go was not an advocate of the European project to the best of my knowledge,” he said.
“He is a member of the party and has a right to his own views. It is my understanding that he won’t be canvassing against it (the treaty) either,” added Deputy Dooley.
Asked if it made his job as Director of Elections more difficult, he said,
“Things are difficult for Éamonn. He has lost the deputy leadership and his front bench position as a result of his stance.”
Deputy Dooley said he has been working in Galway West and around the country on the referendum.
Referring to Galway West he said, “There is a very committed organisation there who supports the treaty. I expect the Fianna Fáil vote will come out in support of the treaty in that constituency.”
One Clare-based party that will not be canvassing with the others is Sinn Féin.
Yesterday (Monday), Clare Sinn Féin welcomed the Civil Public and Services Union to the No camp, along with Mandate, Unite and the TEEU.