With the second vote on the Lisbon Treaty looming, all of the larger political parties are
lobbying for a Yes vote, while a number of independent Clare politicians are set to do the same. Owen Ryan spoke to the seven Independent county councillors about how they will vote

ENNIS East councillor Tommy Brennan said that he will be voting yes in the Lisbon Treaty Referendum, although he says he won’t be trying to make the case for the treaty publicly. “I’ll be supporting the treaty but it’s not up to me to tell anyone how to vote,” he said.
Councillor James Breen (Ennis West) said he is still undecided but is leaning towards a yes vote. “I’m going to Dublin tomorrow for an information meeting with Marian Harkin and I’ll make up my mind after that. I’ll probably be voting yes,” he said.
In the Killaloe Electoral Area, Councillor Michael Begley said he was strongly in favour of ratification. “I voted yes the last time and it’ll be yes this time. I’ve no difficulty in saying that and I’ll be telling my constituents as well. I can’t see how a negative approach to Europe can be justified.”
While he voted no last year, Kilrush Electoral Area Councillor Christy Curtin said he would be looking at all the issues again, before casting his vote.
“The last time I voted no but I will be examining the arguments for and against. I’d be very concerned about how binding the guarantees that Ireland has got are. Is it political spin or something legally binding?”
Councillor Curtin said he was pleased that Ireland is set to keep its commissioner.
Shannon has three independent councillors with one in favour of the treaty, one against and one undecided.
Councillor PJ Ryan is firmly in the pro-treaty camp. “I’ll be voting yes and I’d always be pro-Europe. I don’t believe the scaremongering that’s going on against the treaty and I’d have a problem with some of the people advocating a No vote.”
His colleague, Councillor Gerry Flynn is vehemently opposed. “Definitely I’ll be voting no, I have strong feelings on it. There’s not much point in the people voting if the Government won’t listen to them. I’d feel very strongly about it.”
While she voted no last summer Councillor Patricia McCarthy hasn’t made up her mind. “I’m very much undecided, though I voted no the last time. I still have some concerns,” she said.