While looking at the Independence and Democracy group page, I found the following press release pertaining to the rumour about European defence which has been used by the no side in Ireland over the past week.
Independence and Democracy: MEP Kathy Sinnott calls on the French government to release the suppressed French white paper on defence (11/06/08)
Kathy Sinnott MEP, Ireland South today called upon the French Government to release their white paper on defence immediately. "It has been ready for release since May but the French government are withholding it until after the Irish referendum. It is clear from Mr. Lequiller's comments in their European Affairs Committee that the intention is to not release this publishable and very relevant document until after our referendum. To try and prevent a NO vote in Ireland." She continued "It is reasonable for inquiring minds to wonder what is in this Paper that would delay its publication thus far and why it is thought to effect the chances of Lisbon passing on the 12th of June?" Deputy Sinnott also rejected government obfuscation on the Lisbon Treaty's implications for Irish defence spending. When asked about defence expenditure on RTE's "Week in Politics" program on Sunday night, Minister Lenihan changed the subject and repeated the claim that our neutrality is protected under Lisbon. Minister O'Dea likewise says that the commitment from Lisbon should not mean extra expenditure.
She continued "It is reasonable for inquiring minds to wonder what is in this Paper that would delay its publication thus far and why it is thought to effect the chances of Lisbon passing on the 12th of June?"
Deputy Sinnott also rejected government obfuscation on the Lisbon Treaty's implications for Irish defence spending. When asked about defence expenditure on RTE's "Week in Politics" program on Sunday night, Minister Lenihan changed the subject and repeated the claim that our neutrality is protected under Lisbon. Minister O'Dea likewise says that the commitment from Lisbon should not mean extra expenditure.
(born September 29, 1950 in Chicago, Illinois, USA) is a disability rights campaigner and politician representing Ireland. She is secretary of the Hope Project. She stood successfully for election as a Member of the European Parliament for Ireland South in the 2004 European elections. She campaigned on disability and education issues, and to a lesser extent Euroscepticism and social conservatism, espousing much of the agenda of the Christian Right, particularly in regard to abortion. She had stood before in the 2002 general election for a seat in Cork South Central, and narrowly missed out on the fifth and final seat to Fianna Fáil. Her subsequent attempt for a Senate seat also ended in defeat.
She stood successfully for election as a Member of the European Parliament for Ireland South in the 2004 European elections. She campaigned on disability and education issues, and to a lesser extent Euroscepticism and social conservatism, espousing much of the agenda of the Christian Right, particularly in regard to abortion. She had stood before in the 2002 general election for a seat in Cork South Central, and narrowly missed out on the fifth and final seat to Fianna Fáil. Her subsequent attempt for a Senate seat also ended in defeat.
