“THAT THOSE INVOLVED in the “Yes” campaign issued a fraudulent and concocted photograph to the media speaks volumes about the veracity and integrity of their campaign, Cllr Declan Bree said today, referring to an advertisement photograph published in the “Sligo Weekender” last week.

"I understand that the plan to bring together Sligo advocates of a “Yes” vote turned into a debacle when likely supporters of the Fiscal Treaty failed or refused to turn up for a launch and photo opportunity in the Park Hotel two weeks ago." continued Cllr Bree.

"Elected representatives from the main political parties and representatives from numerous banks and business associations in Sligo were invited to take part in the event, however only a handful of people agreed to participate.

"In an attempt to give some credibility to their launch an image of the current Mayor of Sligo Cllr Rosaleen O’Grady was inserted in the group photograph which the organisers used as an advertisement in the local media last week.

"However the Mayor has clearly stated that she did not attend or participate in the event and it is now clear that the photograph that was published was falsified.

"In fairness to the “Sligo Weekender” it has to be said that it published the advertisement and photograph in good faith without realising that it had been tampered with.

"That those involved in the “Yes” campaign would issue a fraudulent and concocted photograph to the media speaks volumes about the veracity and integrity of their campaign.

"It would appear that fake and phoney photographs and fake and phoney arguments are clearly acceptable in the “Yes” campaign." said Cllr Bree.

"That business groups like IBEC are part of this will come as no surprise given the recent history of leading business people in the banking and financial sectors in this country.

"How can those people who call on the public to vote “Yes” be trusted? Where are the Lisbon jobs they promised the electorate during the last referendum? Where are the cancer services they promised to restore? Where is the mammography service they promised to restore? And what about the promises and pledges relating to Sligo Airport and to the Government offices in Tubbercurry.  And these same representatives are now asking the public to trust them and to vote “Yes” for the Fiscal Treaty."

"I believe that the voting public are entitled to the truth. The public look for integrity, sincerity and honesty from all those involved in the debate on the Fiscal Treaty. But they are not getting it. Playing around with the truth and issuing bogus photographs reflects very poorly on the “Yes” campaign.” said Cllr Bree.