Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan warned today that a No vote on the Lisbon Treaty would be a "step into isolation for Ireland."
Mr Lenihan, who made the comments after a meeting of EU finance ministers in Brussels, said a No vote would damage the Irish economy.
Earlier in the day, the Minister addressed the EU American Chamber of Commerce where he
said that membership of the European Union had brought “countless benefits” for Ireland.
“We are the only Member State to hold a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty. We have an opportunity to demonstrate once again our strong commitment to Europe, which has been of
such enormous benefit to Ireland, and our strong commitment to the principle of reform of institutions to improve their efficiency and effectiveness, said Mr Lenihan.
“A Yes vote to the Lisbon Treaty will ensure that Ireland remains at the centre of a more effective and efficient European Union.
It is precisely this status that has brought us the high level of foreign direct investment that we have achieved thus far. I believe the single market will become even more important as we focus on export led economic growth to compensate for the readjustment of housing construction to more sustainable levels,” he said.
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