Irish asked to back new financial rules

IRISH voters will be asked to support strict new European fiscal rules in a referendum on 31 May, it has been confirmed.

Deputy prime minister Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore announced the date after it was agreed by government ministers at a cabinet meeting yesterday morning.

“The government will put in place a comprehensive campaign to ensure that voters are informed about the context of the treaty,” he said.

“That in turn will facilitate a true debate.”

The public will have their say on whether Ireland ratifies the European fiscal treaty, which provides access to future bailout funds and imposes stricter rules and guidelines on budgetary measures. The government has argued rejecting the treaty could result in Ireland being cast adrift from Europe.