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Referendum poster row

Thursday, 22 May 2008

IT DIDN’T take long for the upcoming referendum on the Lisbon Treaty to spark off a row on the Northside. A local Blanchardstown councillor criticised IBEC (the Irish Business and Employers’ Confederation) just days after the referendum was officially called on May 13. Cllr Paul Donnelly (SF) claims that IBEC, which is campaigning heavily for a ‘yes’ vote, got an unfair advantage as its posters were erected earlier than those of other bodies. The Sinn Fein party, which is backing the ‘no’ campaign, has been fined over such a practice in the past, according to Cllr Donnelly. “We just think there should be a bit of fair play in relation to this matter,” he told Northside People. “We have been penalised over this issue before so why should IBEC get off scot-free?  “I’m not criticising IBEC because their view contradicts ours,” he added. “I just want there to be a bit of fair play and for everybody to be treated the same regardless of what they stand for.” Sinn Fein is calling for a ‘no’ vote in the upcoming referendum which will be held on June 12, in an effort “to defend Ireland’s sovereignty, neutrality and democracy”. IBEC refused to be drawn into an argument with Sinn Fein on this issue. When the Sinn Fein allegations over putting up posters early were put to IBEC, a spokesperson for the confederation declined to respond. However, IBEC said it would be happy to address any specific issue from a member of the public in relation to its campaigning posters.