The Lisbon Treaty referendum on the 12th of June will determine Ireland's future direction. Make sure you are part of the decision making process by voting in the referendum. When deciding how to vote we urge you to vote based on what is in Ireland's interests.

The Irish Exporters Association, is a key member of the Business Alliance for Europe, with 36 other business organisations. The Yellow YES posters are part of the Alliance campaign to try and get a positive result for Ireland in the referendum tomorrow.

The Lisbon Treaty is about reforming the EU to ensure faster, more competitive responses to exporters needs, including energy issues and the rise of China, India and Brazil. A YES to the Lisbon Treaty will lead to a more efficient and effective EU and that directly benefits Ireland. The Lisbon Treaty also copper-fastens Ireland's low corporation tax regime, which has been the bedrock of our export success.

A YES to the Lisbon Treaty will:

  1. Provide stability and certainty to the Irish economy as it moves into a new phase of development
  2. Copper fasten our veto over EU tax proposals
  3. Ensure Ireland remains a good place to do business and remains an attractive location for FDI
  4. Enable the continued development of the Single Market opening up vast new opportunities to Irish businesses in the EU market of nearly 500 million people
  5. Continue the positive impact of the EU on job creation in Ireland. Since Ireland joined the EU 1 million jobs have been created (There are currently 2.1 millions jobs in Ireland).

There are consequences to a rejection of the Lisbon Treaty. A no vote will lead to a loss of influence and goodwill towards Ireland among our EU partners which will undermine our ability to ensure Ireland's goals in Europe are achieved. It will also send a message to potential sources of FDI that Ireland no longer wishes to position ourselves at the centre of Europe.

If you are unsure of the issues affected by the Lisbon Treaty go to the Referendum Commission website at http://www.lisbontreaty2008.ie/. The Referendum Commission is an independent body set up by law to ensure voters are informed about the issues involved in the Lisbon Treaty Referendum.

Thank you for your co-operation on this very important matter.

With best regards,
John Whelan
Chief Executive, Irish Exporters Association

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