Green Party members today voted to campaign for a Yes in the Lisbon Treaty referendum. Following a special conference in Dublin, where members also discussed the review of the Programme for Government, a two thirds majority was reached in favour of the Treaty. Out of a total valid poll of 321, precisely two thirds of voters – some 214 members – voted yes, while 107 voted No.

Green Party Leader and Environment Minister John Gormley said: “Today has been one filled with passionate debate. I am proud that the Green Party has reached this position and I am pleased that we can now go forward and fully support a Yes in the referendum on October 2nd. Lisbon will empower European states to take real action on climate change, and I hope that the EU – strengthened by the Lisbon Treaty – can lead global efforts in this area at the UN conference in Copenhagen in December.

“I place a very great value on the diversity of opinion within our membership and I appreciate and understand the views of those who spoke and voted against the Lisbon Treaty today. The Green Party is the most democratic political party in Ireland, and of this we can all be proud,” he said.

European Affairs Spokesperson Senator Deirdre de Burca added: “Today’s vote showed that although a proportion of our membership is still very concerned about the shortcomings of the European Union – and the Lisbon Treaty -  a considerable majority of members recognise the EU’s considerable achievements and the important international role it must and will play over the coming years in the areas of climate change, energy security and human rights.

“I am happy that our Party, for the first time, will campaign in favour of a European Treaty, and will join the vast majority of our sister green parties across Europe in promoting a positive view of EU membership. The Green Party will campaign hard to ensure that the public is fully briefed on what this Treaty represents and to encourage a Yes vote in October,” she added.

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Press Release by Deirdre