Green Party Leader John Gormley today said he was looking forward to a vigorous and thorough debate on the newly-signed Treaty of Lisbon by members of his party.

Minister Gormley, speaking from the UN climate change conference in Bali, said: ‘’The Green Party has always engaged fully in debate on the EU over the past 25 years and, regardless of the stance adopted, we have always seen ourselves as a pro-European party.’’

A 3,000-word summary of the Treaty – signed in Portugal today by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern – will be sent to all members in the coming days. A special members’ convention is fixed for 19 January in Dublin to decide the party’s stance on the Treaty.

Green Party EU Affairs spokesperson, Senator Déirdre de Búrca, said: ‘’Just as every Irish citizen will vote on whether or not Ireland should accept the document – every Green Party member will be asked their view on the issue. We will have a well-informed and thorough discussion on this issue which will respect every member’s view and their right to be heard.’’

Minister Gormley urged all members to join the debate. ‘’I am appealing to every party member to engage fully in this process. I have every confidence that they will do just that, ‘’ he concluded. For further information please contact

Senator Déirdre de Búrca (086) 806 14 50
Damian Connon • Press Office (087) 228 11 19

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Press Release by Deirdre