The Green Party’s European Affairs spokesperson Senator Déirdre de Búrca has reacted with surprise at a statement on the Lisbon Treaty issued by her party colleague and chairperson of the People’s Movement Patricia McKenna.

Senator de Búrca said: “As a member of the Green Party’s National Executive Committee and its European policy group, Patricia has a direct line of communication with the Party’s Leadership, and a strong role to play in our policy formation. I expected that she would be an enthusiastic contributor to the Party’s future debates on Lisbon. I believe this would be a better way to influence the Party’s thinking than issuing press releases for external organisations.”

In her statement to the media, McKenna called on the leader of the Green Party to ‘make a public statement on this matter and declare [his] position in relation to a second referendum.’

De Búrca continued: “Following the rejection of the Lisbon treaty, the Green Party –in keeping with its democratic traditions – opened a consultation process with its members. I look forward to conclusion of this process and to the open and robust debate that will follow. Of one thing I am certain, the Green Party will play a central and constructive role in finding a way forward from the rejection of the Lisbon. We have not either made up – or closed – our minds, and we will not be rushing to judgement on what the way forward might be.”

Information: Senator Déirdre de Búrca: 086 806 1450 

Filed under:
European Affairs, Press Release by Deirdre