The Irish people voted No last year and the countries of Europe have listened. They have given a series of watertight legal guarantees which directly address all of the big issues which came up during last year's debate.

We know the guarantees are extremely important -- people are voting on a different package this time and that's why all the campaign posters have changed. A Yes vote allows Europe to move forward while giving Ireland protection in relation to our laws on the right to life, neutrality, taxation and workers' rights, and ensuring an Irish commissioner.

Jobs

A fundamental part of the Lisbon Treaty is about giving the Union a core objective of promoting employment. 91pc of people who create jobs in Ireland, in small, medium and large companies are supporting the Lisbon Treaty because of the important reforms it introduces. For companies to invest in Ireland they need to have confidence we are seriously committed to the EU. No one has seriously challenged the idea that a Yes vote is important for job creation here.

Keep an Irish commissioner

The European Commission is the main body which proposes and implements laws in the EU. Under current rules we could lose our member of the Commission in a few months. A Yes vote will change the rules so that we can keep an Irish commissioner.

Better leadership for Europe

Since the start of last year the person chairing the most important body in the Union has changed five times. This would be bad for a sports club, but it causes big problems for a multi-national Union in the middle of the worst recession for 70 years. A Yes vote will change this and give greater stability.

Affordable and secure energy

One of the big problems facing Ireland and all countries is the difficulty of securing affordable and reliable energy supplies. Last year much of Europe lost its gas supply and everyone saw rocketing prices. A Yes vote will allow the EU to take action with this energy crisis.

More democracy

The Treaty will include a range of democratic reforms including increasing the power of the directly elected European Parliament. Citizens will also be able to use petitions to demand that new laws be brought forward. A Yes vote will mark a big move towards making the EU more democratic and answerable to you.

Protect neutrality

A lot of people are rightly concerned to protect our history of neutrality. Friday's vote includes a series of provisions in the Treaty as well as the new legal guarantees which will ensure that nothing can impact on our neutrality. Conscription is banned and countries are free to decide their own policy. The Lisbon Treaty says clearly there can be no European Army. In fact, a Yes vote will deliver the strongest ever support for our neutrality and promote the type of peacekeeping for which Ireland is known throughout the world.

Promote workers' rights

The EU is about combining economic growth with good conditions. The EU has been behind nearly all major laws on workers' rights such as holiday leave, maternity and health and safety. A Yes vote will include a new Charter of Fundamental Rights and other measures to promote workers' rights and social protection in an era of global competition. The minimum wage can not be affected by the Lisbon Treaty, as has been confirmed by every independent expert.

Tackle climate change

The world is faced with an unprecedented climate emergency. We act now or future generations will pay the price. A core objective of Lisbon is to provide a new way for countries to move from talking about climate change to doing something about it. A Yes vote will give the EU the role of leading urgent action to tackle climate change.

Fight cross-border crime

A lot of crime we see on our streets has its origins with cross-border gangs. Human trafficking, drugs and financial crime can't be tackled by countries working alone, there needs to be real international cooperation. A Yes vote will allow the EU to provide a new force behind the fight against cross-border crime.

hnews@herald.ie

- Taoiseach Brian Cowen