This message has been edited - 01-may-2012 @ 22:36

Originally posted by seoulofgaa:
On a different European topic. An old neighbour of mine, who got out and canvassed for people to vote yes to Lisbon, told me that in terms of Europe, a lot of people were making statments of anti-Turkish viewpoint. A view that Turkey should not be allowed into the EU. The last I heard about that country is that they were experiencing record growth, despite the economic weakness of their near neighbour and former enemy Greece.
But in terms of this treaty maybe the government and European powers can just simply scare the Irish people into a yes vote, with now being viewed as financial anarchy.
I am undecided at the moment as to how I will vote.

Originally posted by Hidalgo:
Re Turkey, the reason people are anti them joining the EU isn't on economic grounds, more on identity. Turkish entry would mean a pretty big EU identity shift. The traditional EU view of itself has been white and Christian, therefore Islam must be outside this identity.
I'm guessing Islamophobia woulld play a large part.
Isn't Turkey on the 'waiting list' of possible future member states??

Originally posted by scelp:
No Bob I am not certain and its a fair question. But the doomsday scenario suits perfectly those who want the same morons to be in charge of all our futures and maintain the very very fat cats at the top.
What is the precise evidence that we will never see another cent if we vote no? The word of Kenny, Noonan, Martin, Moore McDowell, Marc Coleman?? Equally valid question to yours, I would respectfully submit.

Originally posted by seoulofgaa:
Certainly there is Islamophobia within every EU country, Ireland included. Whatever the lot of muslim people within Ireland and in particular the EU's Turkish question, in other European countries a view that Turkey should be kept out of the rich, white and christian EU club would be a popular opinion. This would be obvious within France this week with the popular vote for Marie Le Pen and the French National Front.

Originally posted by scelp:
Even the international Financial Overlords aren't saying it because simply: money will be lent to Ireland because it will be paid back with interest and therefore profitable. End of. Whereas voting yes means we grovel and sign up to crazy cuts in hospitals, schools and all the vital services. To satisfy billionaires who made stupid investments.
.

Originally posted by glasandbán:
Ireland has been held up as the poster child for austerity, and trying to continue to balance the budget will continue whether we vote no or yes. If we can't return to the markets I do not believe that the IMF will refuse us money. The money will come with the same or stricter terms than approving the treaty and taking money from europe -but it won't be permanent.I honestly think that a no vote as an expression of distaste for the handling of this recession and the bailout terms enforced on Ireland is entirely justified.

Originally posted by Boston Bruin:
they won't have an appetite for the inflated welfare and public service arrangements we currently have in place

Originally posted by Boston Bruin:
I agree that the IMF would probably keep the lights on for us , but as you say they won't have an appetite for the inflated welfare and public service arrangements we currently have in place. Which makes a mockery of Sinn feins vote no as a vote for no more austerity.

Originally posted by Blanco:
And this is a bad thing? , if ever a country needed a does of reality it is this one

Originally posted by Boston Bruin:
Certainly not a bad thing Blanco, and I agree. I just find unbelievable that the No camp are equating a no vote as being a vote against austerity when in fact all informed opinion suggests that a No vote would result in extreme austerity .