Quiet Irish-EU Deal Sabotaged Ireland's Referendum Vote

Vincent Browne, journalist

The Irish Government has voluntarily tied the Irish people's hands by willingly creating a huge downside risk to a "No" referendum outcome.

A treaty modification signed in virtual secrecy, means that if the Irish vote "No" to the Fiscal Compact, they will have no right to EU assistance. That right has already been quietly signed away.

A few days ago, Irish journalist and presenter, Vincent Browns wrote to remind us that in early February, 2012, the Irish Government modified its EU debt treaties in a way "very menacing" to Irish interests. Brown writes:

No announcement was made of the signing of this modified treaty, no press release was issued. [ ] The Irish negotiators made no objection to the insertion of this new clause in the ESM treaty.

So, what was this treaty modification which the Government signed?

It amended EU debt treaties so that Ireland is prevented from getting EU financial assistance --unless-- the upcoming Irish referendum on EU debt levels is passed.

The Irish Government has voluntarily tied the Irish people's hands by willingly creating a huge downside risk to a "No" referendum outcome.

Blogger NamaWineLake has a detailed chronology and analysis on the affair, and comments:

Is it time to demand the Minister come to the Dail and make a statement justifying what now seems a bewilderingly stupid action, which has the potential to strand this country without feasible funding sources in 2014 unless this forthcoming referendum is passed?

Bewildering stupidity? Or cynical and calculating political shenanigans.