Chancellor Angela Merkel called on Irish voters to approve the new EU treaties, which she said would bring benefits "even to sceptics". This was the Chancellor's first official visit to the Emerald Isle.
"I am here today to encourage the Irish people to approve the treaties," the Chancellor declared, speaking in Dublin. She is convinced that the new treaties will prevent gridlock in Europe.
Irish referendum to be held in June
The founding of the European Union is the best thing that has happened to the continent of Europe in its long history, said Angela Merkel. And the EU Reform Treaty is the best way to prepare Europe to face the future. The treaty also addresses fears that Europe could become a superstate.
Prime Minister Bertie Ahern declared that he hoped Ireland would return a "yes" vote in the referendum on 12 June. The treaty, he explained would lead to a more effective and more democratic European Union.
Bertie Ahern expressed his special thanks to the Chancellor. She did much to ensure that the Treaty of Lisbon was finalised during Germany's EU presidency. "The Reform Treaty is good for Europe and good for Ireland," declared the Taoiseach.
Merkel puts her weight behind the EU Reform Treaty
The Chancellor called on the Irish to pull together to ensure that the European Union continues to flourish. Addressing eurosceptics she said, "If things stay as they are, your demands will certainly not be better met."
Ireland is the only member state of the European Union in which a referendum on the Treaty of Lisbon is planned to date. This is a constitutional requirement in Ireland. The referendum is scheduled for 12 June.
The Irish initially rejected the Treaty of Nice in 2001 in a referendum. In a re-run, they then approved it. The majority of Irish parties are in favour of the Treaty of Lisbon.
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