Michael Finnegan, President of the Workers Party has claimed that the media debate and emphasis on abortion during the Lisbon Treaty debate is a deliberate red herring.

“The issue of abortion” said Michael Finnegan “has been raked over ad nauseum since the first divisive and unnecessary amendment to the constitution was introduced by the Fine Gael / Labour coalition, (supported by Fianna Fail and SPUC) in 1983. This is the 8th subsequent referendum debate in which the same issue has been raised. The reality now is the same as in 1983 – we export our problem and no matter what happens with Lisbon we will continue to export our problem.”

“The concentration on abortion does, however, help to polarise opinion and divert attention away from the real issues that directly arise from the Lisbon Treaty. It is agreed by all sides that Lisbon will impact on Workers’ Rights, will impact on Ireland’s right to Veto, will impact on the shape of the Commission, and will impact on the EU’s role on the International Stage. Obviously the Yes and No sides differ on the their interpretation of the extent and impact of these changes and it is on these issues and differences that the debate should concentrate”.

“In June 2008 the media, looking De Valera-like into its own heart, decided that Declan Ganley and Libertas was the leader of the No campaign. Now that Ganley is no longer centre stage they have reverted to their 2002 Nice tactic of deliberately promoting the ultra-Catholic Cóir to a leadership position on the No campaign”.

“There is a deliberate attempt to downplay the role of the combined left organisations who in 2008 delivered a massive No vote throughout the working class constituencies of the country. Given a fair crack of the media whip we could do the same on October 2nd. However, given the role of the vast majority of the media so far in this campaign I do not suddenly expect fairness in these last 10 days of campaigning”, concluded Michael Finnegan.

Issued: Tuesday 22nd Sept 2009