On Thursday next, the electorate will vote on the Treaty of Nice. The Government, fearful of the public discovering the true nature of this treaty, decided to rush through this referendum despite the fact that it doesn’t have to be ratified until 2002. They have attempted to stifle any proper debate about the issues involved.
This Treaty is about creating a European Super-State and an European army to impose its will by force of arms. This new Rapid Reaction Force is not a peacekeeping force as the government would have us believe.
Some spokespersons would have us believe that this army is a cross between the boy scouts and St Vincent De Paul. Nothing could be further from the truth. This is an army designed for war. Why else are they arming themselves with F 16 fighter bombers, nuclear submarines, warships and combat planes.
Government spending on military equipment has already increased by 20%. The £40 million spent on armoured troop carriers and proposals to purchase battle helicopters is only the beginning.Gerry Casey, Peace & Neutrality Alliance (Sligo/Leitrim).
