EPP welcome Irish yes

EPP Group chairman Joseph Daul has expressed his delight at the clear indications of a positive Lisbon Referendum vote today in Ireland.

"This is a resounding success for Ireland and for Europe", he said.

Joseph Daul, chairman of the largest political group in the European Parliament, congratulated EPP vice president and Fine Gael leader, Enda Kenny, for leading the YES campaign and showing true political leadership by putting Ireland's interests above narrow political considerations.

He also praised the hard work and commitment of the Fine Gael MEPs Gay Mitchell, leader of the delegation, Jim Higgins, Sean Kelly and Mairead McGuinness who made such an active contribution to the YES campaign.

"I particularly commend the Irish voters for the wisdom they exercised in distinguishing between the truth and the lies which unfortunately played such a prevalent part of this campaign. This decision endorses the Lisbon Treaty and secures our common future with a more democratic and efficient European Union and ensures Ireland remains at the centre of the European decision making processes," Daul said.

"This vote will strengthen the EU and enable it to act in a more unified manner in tackling the many global issues that it faces in today's world, such as the global economic crises, climate change and energy security.

"It allows for greater co-operation in the fight against other external threats such as terrorism and international crime, most especially drug trafficking and the trafficking of humans; issues upon which it is imperative that we take action in the strongest possible way.

"The EU will speak with one voice and act with one voice when the Lisbon Treaty is ratified on the basis of a set of common values precious to all Europeans.

"I now look forward to the completion of the ratification process in the coming weeks. I call on Poland and the Czech Republic to ratify without delay."