SEPTEMBER 2002
www.celtic-connection.com
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Nice Treaty Campaign Boosted
DUBLIN - The Irish government is stepping up its second Nice treaty referendum campaign by publishing a 14-page information booklet on the EU agreement. The rejection of the treaty during the first referendum in June 2001 shocked the government and drew criticism of the Republic from other EU countries.
In the aftermath of the last campaign, many people complained that they had voted against the treaty because the government had failed to adequately explain the consequences of a Yes vote.
Speaking at the launch of the booklet in Dublin, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said the guide would provide factual information on the treaty as well as the workings of the EU.
He said, "Last year at least some people were persuaded by the slogan 'if you don't know - vote no'. It is central to our democracy and to democratic decision-making that the people should have the information to enable them to vote in an informed way."
Ahern said the Republic's membership of the EU was vital and that it was necessary for the government to do a "far better job in communicating Europe to the Irish people. Europe must not be
remote from its people. All states, big and small, have a role to play in bringing it forward and ensuring that in doing so the people of Europe are brought with it," he said.
Meanwhile, the Forum on Europe will begin a nationwide tour to enable people from both the Yes and No camps to voice their arguments. Forum chairman Senator Maurice Hayes said, "Many serious issues influenced people's decisions as to how they should vote in the last referendum. One of the most disturbing factors was the low turnout.
Meanwhile, the "No to Nice" campaign is focused on the Irish Government's decision to allow the citizens of eastern European countries to live and work in the Republic of Ireland country as soon as their homeland becomes a full member of the EU.
It is argued that with Germany, Austria and other countries imposing a ban on entry of at least two years, and possibly as long as seven, Ireland will be flooded with new migrants prepared to work for lower wages than Irish workers. Such arguments are being labelled as racist. Other anti-Nice campaigners aren't too happy with the "No to Nice" approach.
Irish Labour Party Leader Steps Down
DUBLIN - Labour leader Ruairi Quinn has confirmed that he will not seek a second term as party head when his term ends on October 25. The Dublin TD succeeded Dick Spring as Labour leader after the rainbow coalition - Fine Gael, Labour and Democratic Left - lost the 1997 general election.
High-profile Labour deputies expected to enter the race for the party leadership include Deputy Leader and Foreign Affairs spokesman Brendan Howlin, Assistant Chief Whip and Justice spokesman Pat Rabbitte and Health spokeswoman Liz McManus.
Quinn had come under pressure after the May general election when Labour failed to increase on its 22 seats in the Dail. Commentators and some Labour members suggested that the party had stalled because of the leader's failure to make a pre-election coalition pact with Fine Gael, which lost heavily when voters went to the polls.
Mayo TD Enda Kenny has already replaced Limerick's Michael Noonan as Fine Gael leader after Noonan stepped down on- the night of the count when it emerged that the party's representation in the Dail had plunged to 32 seats.
Family Fun Run in support of the Burnaby Firefighters Charitable Society
Saturday, September 21,2002 at 9 A.M.
• 10 km run • 5km family walk
• Corporate / Community & School team categories
• Great post-race event includes live music by the Celtic Band "BALLYHOOLEY with fiddler DOUG MEDLEY of the HALIFAX WHARF RATS"!
• CELTIC DANCERS - Entertainment sponsored by the Celtic Heritage Society of Canada • Free coffee, Irish Soda Bread and Ice-cream for the kids
• Events take place on the proposed site that will be home to the Celtic Heritage Society of Canada at the 3800 block of East Hastings St.
Entry Fees:
• Early Bird: $20 with t-shirt, $15 without t-shirt
• Late entry after Sept 13, $25
Register online at: www.burnabyheights.com
Call 604-294-9060 for more information
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