Libertas to fight 2009 Euro elections

LIBERTAS LAUNCHES PAN-EUROPEAN CAMPAIGN FOR 2009 PARLIAMENT ELECTIONS

Brussels, 11 December - Libertas will contest the European elections in 2009 on a Pan-European basis, its chairman Declan Ganley announced today.

Speaking to a packed Press Conference at Libertas’ newly opened European Headquarters in Brussels, Mr. Ganley said that Libertas would field candidates across the European Union on a common pro-European platform of democracy, accountability and transparency. Mr. Ganley stated that Europeans have reached a crossroads: “If people want a strong and healthy Europe that is democratic and answerable to them, they should vote for a Libertas candidate. If they do not want Europe to succeed or if they are happy with the current undemocratic practises, then they should vote for an incumbent party. For those who weren’t given a vote on the Lisbon Treaty, this will be their referendum”.

Libertas will run candidates in every country where the candidates are of a high standard, committed to the Libertas’s pro-European stance and its platform of democracy, accountability and transparency aimed at bringing European back to the people. A detailed policy document will be published in the coming months, and candidates’ names will be unveiled over a similar time frame. The Libertas announcement coincides with the European summit where the Irish government will announce a second referendum on the Lisbon Treaty.

According to Mr. Ganley: “The Irish government and the powerful elite in Brussels are showing utter contempt for the democratic decision of the Irish people in rejecting the Lisbon Treaty. Not one sentence will change in a “new version”. Some non-legally binding texts will be added in an attempt to fool the people. They tried this with the French, they tried with the Dutch, they are trying with the Irish. It’s time to put a stop to this bullying.”

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European Leaders Must Support Georgia Against Kremlin Aggression
Friday, 08 August 2008

Reacting to news that the Kremlin's heavy armour, infantry and air forces had invaded the independent and democratic European country of Georgia, Libertas chairman Declan Ganley this afternoon called on EU leaders to unite and show strong an unequivocal support for Georgia's democratically-elected government.

Tensions in the region have been rising since April's NATO summit meeting which barred Ukraine and Georgia from the membership process following objections to their memberships by the governments of France and Germany who had promised to 're-examine' the possibility of eventual membership in December.

Ganley, who spent his early business career working in the countries of the former Soviet Bloc said: "The rejection by certain of their fellow Europeans, of Georgian membership of NATO and the deliberate slow rolling of their intention to join the the European Union, sent a message to a boldly assertive Kremlin, that Georgia is 'in play'. There are a few European leaders who might consider tonight how they are going to retrieve a situation where by their lack of leadership and vision, they have effectively thrown Georgia to the wolves."
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Ganley tells Sarkozy that the Lisbon Treaty is dead
Monday, 21 July 2008

Chairman of Libertas, Declan Ganley, at a private group meeting with President of France and European Council Nicholas Sarkozy said that the Treaty of Lisbon is dead. "During the meeting, President Sarkozy himself twice admitted that his own people would vote no to the Lisbon Treaty, as they have already rejected a very similar text in the guise of the failed EU Constitution. For President Sarkozy to come here and assemble a meeting of the successful no side and defeated yes side to discuss the treaty seems to suggest the people voted yes, this is a complete disregard for democracy.

Last month the people of Ireland voted no, and their vote must be respected. President Sarkozy listened to what everyone had to say - however whilst he says he respects the Irish vote - further assurances are needed that this is the case. During the discussion, President Sarkozy acknowledged that the European elections may become the focus of a debate about the future of Europe and the Lisbon Treaty. The people of all the other 26 European member states are entitled to their say on this text. President Sarkozy did respond to my comments by saying he had an idea and he then went on to say that he would like to come back to Ireland for a longer visit, or meet with some of the parties in Paris. I don't know whether or not this will be followed up.

If Europe is to have a new treaty/Constitution, it should be short and understandable, the aim should be 20 or 25 pages, it should be upfront and honest about what it seeks to achieve and all Europe's citizens must get a vote on it. We need a strong, respected and credible Europe and the only way to achieve that is by ensuring that if we confer more power on Brussels, those exercising that power need to be accountable at a ballot box and present themselves before the electorate to seek a mandate, just as he did when he was elected President of France.

The most worrying thing about this meeting is the fact that clearly the message is not being heard, perhaps not even being heard at all, and that's what makes the meeting somewhat pointless. We have said no. Libertas is still unsure if that democratic vote will be respected by the elites in Brussels, or Paris. The future of Europe needs to be based on the principles of democracy for all its citizens, and in the only referendum on this treaty, the people asked said no. Brussels needs to take account of this, listen to the people of Ireland and all of Europe, and ensure that what happens next fully respects the principles of democracy that we Irish fought so hard for.

I look forward to a future exchange with President Sarkozy on this issue.

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