REFERENDUM - FEAR FACTOR PREVAILED

SPEAKING AT THE conclusion of the referendum count, Cllr Declan Bree  said: “The government clearly understood that the referendum would be a battle between people’s fear and their anger. The “Yes” campaign made fear the centerpiece of its campaign and unfortunately the fear factor prevailed. Even among supporters of the treaty there was an admission that the only grounds for supporting it were the threats of exclusion from future bailout funds.

“The result certainly shouldn’t be regarded as a mandate to impose the household charge, water tax and other austerity measures. It’s clear that those who are bearing the brunt of the austerity measures - cuts and tax hikes - have rejected this treaty in large numbers.

“The treaty, and the austerity policies being currently implemented, will bring neither stability, recovery nor growth. The battle against austerity continues.” said Cllr Bree.