Greek sovereignty and solidarity
Senator Ó Murchú argues that Greece’s referendum reflected popular resistance to austerity and urges European countries to show solidarity, compromise and respect for sovereignty; he supports O’Brien’s amendment.
What was important about the referendum in Greece was that the people were given an opportunity to express their views. Let us bear in mind that they expressed their views against a backdrop of austerity which they have already suffered. Even leading up to the referendum, with the difficulty in banks, people still felt strongly and passionately enough about their independence and sovereignty. Also, it would be very wise for us in Ireland not to lecture the people of Greece.
Comment on this
If we continue to lecture them then we will stop a debate from evolving. After all, the EU community was meant to be about much more than economics.
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It was meant to be about co-operation. It was meant to be about understanding each other's difficulties, etc. What is coming out at the moment, whether it is a bad PR exercise or not, shows there certainly was a strong feeling when the debate took place in Greece that the people were not being listened to. Can one imagine Europe without Greece? I certainly cannot imagine such a scenario. I have no doubt there has been brinkmanship on both sides. Therefore, the best way for the rest of us, who are not immediately and directly involved, is to try to find compromise because at the end of the day the matter will be resolved one way or another, positively or negatively.
We should remember that we are a small country. We have our own difficulties. We also have the residue which will be with us for a long time of the austerity measures which people have had to suffer.
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One can talk about growth in the economy but there are so many people out there who are absolutely and utterly downtrodden at this time. Some people see no light at the end of the tunnel. I would be very careful about cosying up too much and getting into bed with some of the people who are calling the shots in Europe at present.
Comment on this
In the past we have gone against the prevailing world view. I think there is an opportunity for us to demonstrate independence and our sovereignty.
I second Senator Darragh O'Brien's amendment to the Order of Business.