Two quick thoughts
One, if other EU members states decide to bully us then I think we should remind them that the EU was founded on the principle of equality amongst member states and we should be prepared to veto stuff up and down the agenda if they want to play the heavies. And we should be prepared to reach out to other members states in the event that some seek to move ahead.
Two, regarding funding and air time for referenda, is it possible that the government is concerned about having the referendum on children's rights because they would have to give air time to people who hate children? I mean the rules aren't that stupid that if we had a referendum on the age of consent that we should have to give time and money to those who would argue for no age of consent at all? Are they?
I think its more likely in a referendum on children's tights that the sides would split in to a YES we should change the constitution to do 'blah' vs a NO the constitution is fine with the rights of the child residing in and subservient to the family. or whatever. All in all its a more rational way to conduct a campaign and forces the YES side to demonstrate tangible benefits of their changes.
ReplyDeleteIt would have been nice if the last referendum had gone that way as well, but ca c'est la vie.
As for the age of consent thing, that would be a relatively silly thing to put in the constitution and is probably best legislated for. Any NO argument, which highlights and examines the number and scope of changes made to age of consent legislation between here and the UK, could probably demonstrate that.
All over Europe citizens are very happy with the Irish "NO". Because it has to be pointed out,that not governments but people have to decide what they want. That´s the idea of democracy as it should be executed.
ReplyDeleteSo I raise my glass just to say
THANK YOU CITIZENS OF FREE IRELAND
THANK YOU BRAVE EIRE
Have a click:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aip-a3qEJ2s
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN -
THE IRISH NATIONAL ANTHEM.