Wyse

Wednesday, 9th May 2012

Wyse calls for a 'Yes'vote on the Stability Treaty referendum

Colr. Gary Wyse Fianna Fail

Fianna Fáil Cllr Gary Wyse, has called on the people of Waterford to Vote yes in the upcoming stability treaty.

Cllr Wyse commented: "There are 26,290 people unemployed in Waterford, 12,000 in the city alone. I will be honest and say that the treaty will not cure all our economic woes but it will definitely allow Waterford and Ireland to have a more secure foundation for our future.

"By voting yes we will have access to the funds needed for our public services at a lower interest rate. We will be sending a message that Irish people want to have a strong voice at the European table when growth opportunities and investment in job creation is being discussed. We need to box above our weight in Europe and make sure our voices are heard and we will do this by voting yes. The treaty outlines rules to prevent further debt and it makes sure all countries play by these rules. Full membership of the EU is critical for Waterford's recovery as our export market is there."

Cllr Wyse added that Ireland's recovery will be export led. "One of the key reasons for Ireland's attractiveness is its export platform to the rest of the EU. Today nearly 100,000 people are directly employed in over 600 US firms in Ireland. US companies have a $190 billion cumulative stock of investments in Irish based operations.

"Since 2005, Ireland has been a magnet for investment from American companies Apple, Yahoo, eBay, PayPal, Google, Amazon, Facebook and LinkedIn, making it a significant hub for their European operations. Waterford needs a yes vote to secure stability and economic recovery.

"One worry I have is that people will use the vote on this treaty as a form of protest against the Government, against Europe and against other issues affecting Waterford. We cannot afford to cut off our nose to spite our face at this crucial time, the treaty is not the answer to Europe's problems but it is part of it and a vital step to stabilising the whole Eurozone."