« Back

Lisbon Treaty: Majority of Chamber Members Support Yes Vote

Following an extensive consultation with its affiliated chambers, Chambers Ireland has today (13/05/08) said that the vast majority support the forthcoming Lisbon Treaty referendum. The announcement was made ahead of the organisation’s National Business Forum Summit for Growth – the Next Phase sponsored by Vodafone which takes place today in the Marriott Druids Glen, Wicklow.

Speaking at the Forum, Chambers Ireland President David Pierce said, “Chambers Ireland felt that this was a very important decision. We gave our affiliates the time and space to debate the treaty. The results from the consultation of chambers are pretty unequivocal. The Network favours a Yes position. Chambers Ireland now fully supports this position.”

“Ratification of the Treaty will help Ireland tackle the challenges it currently faces, help continue our global competitiveness, and will create an improved EU that works better for all,” Pierce concluded.

-Ends-

For further information please contact Jessica Dempsey, Press & Communications Officer, Chambers Ireland on 01-400 4303, 086-608 1605 or email jessica.dempsey@chambers.ie.

Notes to Editor
1. David Pierce’s speech outlining Chambers Ireland’s reasons for supporting the treaty is available upon request.
2. Significant numbers of Chambers including our largest affiliates in Cork, Dublin, Galway, Limerick and Waterford are calling for a Yes vote in June’s referendum.
3. Over the course of the consultation four Chambers – Carrick on Shannon, Dundalk, Newbridge, and Drogheda–opted to remain neutral on the issue.
4. No Chamber that has made a decision has voted to oppose the Treaty.

Chambers Ireland is Ireland’s largest business network with 60 member chambers representing 13,000 businesses on the island of Ireland.