Libertas Anti-European Party will galvanise pro-Europeans to defend the EU
December 11, 2008 12:00 PM
Originally published by Andrew Duff MEP
Originally published by Andrew Duff MEP
As the leader of the Irish no campaign launches his anti-European party in Brussels today, Liberals and Democrats in the European Parliament actually believe it will serve to get the issues out in the open, expose the deceit and untruths of the Libertas campaign and encourage pro-Europeans across the continent to be more vocal in support of the European Union.
Graham Watson, leader of the strongly pro-European political group of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) in the European Parliament, welcomed the challenge posed by a party representing diametrically opposing views to his own:
"Far from condemning this initiative of Declan Ganley, he is doing Europe a favour by stimulating interest and debate about the EU which may result in a higher turnout at next year's European elections.
"As democrats, we must recognise that Libertas represents a strand of political thought in several countries and it is only in open debate that we can address the myths and falsehoods that they are perpetrating in their campaigns.
"Pro-Europeans should not be afraid to confront such anti-European movements head on with the truth that now, more than ever, there are many issues of a global nature that can only be tackled successfully by a united response across the EU."
Andrew Duff MEP (Lib Dem, UK), ALDE constitutional affairs spokesperson and President of the Union of European Federalists was also unequivocal in his denunciation of Mr. Ganley and his anti-European movement:
"We note the formation of yet another anti-European party peddling simplistic and demagogic opinions. Libertas will have a tough time competing for europhobic votes in what is already a crowded field.
"At least, now that he has formed a political party, Mr Declan Ganley will have to come clean about his finances."
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