Ahern Pushes For A 'Yes' Vote On The "Reform" Treaty

"The challenges facing Irish jobs and Ireland's environment and competitiveness today are global. We cannot afford to stand alone against climate change, rising energy costs and global economic downturns," he insisted.

According to the Minister, the "Reform" Treaty cuts bureaucracy, tackles inefficiency, speeds up decision making and delivers a European Union more responsive to Irish citizens and answerable to the Oireachtas.

"In short it creates the Union we need to help us defend prosperity, safeguard the environment and protect Irish jobs against the challenges ahead," he continued.

"The EU empowers us. The Treaty empowers us further. Ireland is the strongest economic success story of the European Union and this Treaty will allow us to do even better. That is why the Government will be campaigning strongly for a 'Yes 'vote."

Criticising opponents of the "Reform" Treaty he claimed that they were, "engaging in diversionary tactics.

"Instead of dealing with the facts, opponents of this Treaty, which has so many positive and practical provisions, are trying to distract attention with worn-out threats of dire consequences, should the Irish people support the Reform Treaty.  They are trying to peddle a dangerous myth, that you can somehow be against this treaty and yet be pro European. This Treaty is about making Europe more efficient, democratic and responsive to the needs of its citizens; surely nobody who is genuinely pro European can oppose this."

Meanwhile, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, told RTE News that a referendum on the "Reform" Treaty will take place in late May or early June.

He also said that the only thing holding him back from from setting a firm date was the need to get absolute clarity that the poll will deal exclusively with E.U. matters.

Ireland is the only one of the 27 EU member states that will hold a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty.