DURKAN, SMITH CANVASS FOR LISBON IN CAVAN

SDLP Leader Mark Durkan MP MLA will join Brendan Smith TD in Cavan town on Tuesday 29th September to canvass for a Yes vote in Friday’s referendum on the Lisbon Treaty.



The canvassing team will meet at Tesco Supermarket on Main Street, Cavan at 6:30PM.



This is just one of a number of events in which SDLP representatives are turning out to support parties and organisations campaigning for a positive response in the Lisbon referendum.



Speaking in Dublin earlier, Mr Durkan said: “The Lisbon Treaty will make Europe more effectively democratic, more responsive to economic needs, better able to defend its interests and also to promote its values. With Lisbon we can deal more effectively with some of the new key issues of this century: such as climate change, energy security, public health, clean air and organised crime.



“It is a dangerous delusion for the “No” campaign to pretend that a second rejection will be followed by negotiations for “more improvements” to meet Irish concerns. The danger of a Tory government in London could mean that very soon any negotiations there might be will not be about improving anything and nothing to do with Irish concerns.



“The stakes are much higher this time around. Despite what those who oppose the Treaty say, a 'No' vote this time is not a vote for the status quo. An Irish red light to Lisbon now could turn into a green light for a British Tory wrecking ball in Europe.



“We will all lose power, influence and money in that scenario. The North could lose much of the favour it has enjoyed, when our European partners are frustrated by an egregious British government and blame Irish votes for handing them such destructive vantage.



“The European experience has not just helped to fund Peace; it has actually helped us to find Peace. Our peace is in Europe and our place is in Europe.



“Europe can only better help us to fulfil our destiny in terms of economic recovery, environmental well-being and social justice if voters mandate the EU to improve and advance. Our country faces big challenges. So does our continent. We need to democratically equip ourselves – and the rest of the continent - to overcome these. That is the choice at stake in this referendum. Vote 'Yes' for a Better Ireland in a Better Europe.”