IFA Disappointed With 'NO' Vote - Farming | farming news | cattle prices | ifa

IFA Disappointed With 'NO' Vote

Written by Cian MacSweeny
Saturday, 14 June 2008
Padraig Walshe, IFA President has expressed his disappointment with the outcome in Friday’s referendum. Since the new Taoiseach's promises on WTO eleven days ago, Mr Walshe said he had led a wholehearted campaign for a YES vote. According to IFA analysts, their members strongly voted in favour of the Lisbon Treaty. Results from a poll of more than 3,000 IFA members showed 76% voted Yes and if this voting behaviour had been repeated by all of the electorate across the country, the outcome would certainly have been different. The IFA President said it is now time to reflect on the results “Political parties and their leaders who had supported the referendum should not engage in a blame game as this would be fruitless.” He said that the IFA would work closely with the Government and all parties to seek a way forward over the next few months whereby Ireland can keep its position at the heart of Europe. Mr. Walshe concluded saying that the referendum outcome must not be allowed to weaken Ireland’s position in Europe or endanger our business and farming interests.