Chamber urges ‘yes’ vote in Treaty referendum

SHANNON Chamber has urged all local businesses to throw their weight behind securing a ‘yes’ vote in the European Fiscal Treaty Referendum, with President Damian Gleeson saying nowhere in the country needs a ‘yes’ vote more.
Mr Gleeson claimed passing the treaty would pave the way to more fiscal and economic stability for both Ireland and Europe.
He made the call when announcing that Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan, will address a special Shannon chamber breakfast briefing on the Treaty at the Radisson Hotel on Monday, May 21 at 8am.
The Chamber president claimed a ‘yes’ vote will lead to greater business confidence and investment and a strengthening of Ireland’s position in Europe.
“We must make it clear that we are very much open for business and are fully committed to stable economic and fiscal management of our economy in the year ahead. There is nowhere in Ireland that urgently needs this positive message more than Shannon at the present time.
“Continued inward investment and strong indigenous enterprise growth are absolutely fundamental to maintaining and growing employment in the Shannon area. For many decades, Shannon has sent out a message to the world that we are an integral part of the wider European community and an ideal gateway to that vast market. It is in the interests of all people who want to attract more investment and jobs to the area that we support this Treaty. Rejecting it would cause real uncertainty amongst potential investors, which is the last thing we need right now.”
However, local man Chris Quinn, who has been very active in the Clare campaign against austerity, was very sceptical about the notion that a yes vote will have a positive impact on Shannon. “What Shannon needs basically is a small bit of interest from Government. They need to get off their backsides and do something. Even last week, we had more news of jobs being gone from Shannon to Dublin. There is still a haemorrhage of jobs to Dublin. In my opinion, to say one town would benefit more than another from a ‘yes’ vote is ludicrous.”
Mr Quinn said it is hoped to organise a meeting regarding the treaty in Shannon in the next week or two.
The Shannon Chamber Breakfast Briefing on the EU Fiscal Treaty, which will be addressed by Mr Noonan will commence at 8am sharp. Registration will take place at 7.30am and the briefing will end at 9am. In the run-up to the briefing by the minister, the Chamber has invited business interests to communicate their views and concerns regarding the referendum to the Chamber. Booking for the event is essential and can be done by calling 061 708341 or emailing admin@shannonchamber.ie.