Press Release

09/06/2008

Irish Referendum: Joseph Daul MEP urges farmers and the rural community to support the 'yes' vote

The leader of the largest political group in the European Parliament, Joseph Daul MEP, has welcomed the decision of the Irish farming lobby and the wider agri-business sector to support the Treaty of Lisbon.

Speaking in Brussels, Frenchman Daul – himself a farmer - said that he fully understood Irish concerns about an unfavourable WTO agreement.

"I am particularly pleased that the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) is recommending a 'Yes' vote in the referendum on the Treaty of Lisbon taking place on 12 June, as this is in the best interests of Irish farmers and their families."

"As a committed European and a Frenchman, I share the concerns raised in Ireland about the direction of the WTO talks in relation to agriculture and I am determined to ensure that any attempt by EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson to sell out European agriculture will be firmly resisted."

"In an era where there are huge concerns about food security, we cannot allow an agreement at the WTO which would decimate EU food production and in particular, damage Irish beef production."

"Irish farmers have my full support on this and we will leave no stone unturned to ensure that we protect our important food and farming sector in the EU."

"Trade Commissioner, Peter Mandelson, has gone too far in his attempts to broker a trade agreement. Agriculture cannot and must not be a scapegoat for this trade agreement, it is too important a sector to tamper with", Daul warned.

Mr Daul urged Irish farmers and the rural community to support the Treaty of Lisbon and vote 'yes' in the referendum on 12 June.

"As we face the Health Check of the CAP, we need a strong Europe focused on facing the challenges that lie ahead. The Lisbon Treaty provides that strength and stability by ensuring strong and effective institutions working for all the people of Europe", he added.

For further information:
Joseph Daul MEP, Tel: +32-2-2847525
Antoine Ripoll, Chairman's Spokesman, Tel: +32-475-856290

Notes to Editors:
The EPP-ED Group is the largest political group in the European Parliament with 288 Members from all 27 Member States.