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BILL CULLEN // PRESENTER OF THE APPRENTICE"We are a small island off the coast of Europe and more than 60% of exports go to Europe......What Ireland needs right now is jobs, finance and stability, those three things come from Europe and now is the time we should be co-operating to make sure it happens". |
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EIMEAR QUINN // SINGER/SONGWRITER EUROVISION WINNER (1996)"We have benefited hugely from our relationship with Europe both economically and culturally...and although it was our prerogative to vote no the last time round, I think particularly given the reassurances that we have had since, it is equally our prerogative to change our minds this time." |
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MARY MCEVOY // ACTRESS"We fought long and hard for our own identity here in Ireland. If one looks at the EU, none of the other countries lost their identity, in fact they grew stronger. Our next step is to be part of a strong team and be at the centre of things; influencing and making decisions rather than being affected by decisions made by others." |
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FRANKIE GAVIN // TRADITIONAL IRISH MUSICIAN/DE DENANN"It is important we are all singing from the same hymn sheet, as a nation, and as part of the greater European Union. The Union has been great for Ireland and ironically made Irish citizens more aware of their culture and has made us accept our own language more openly in a proud way. National identity means more to us within the realm of the bigger picture." |
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MICK GALWEY// IRISH RUGBY LEGEND"Ireland has always played well on the European pitch and we've put in a lot of hard work over the years to stay ahead of the competition. Let's keep it that way. Supporting Lisbon ensures Ireland is at the table when key decisions are being made. It means we can influence the future of our own country and help keep Ireland at the the top of the league table". |
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PAT GILROY // DUBLIN SENIOR FOOTBALL MANAGER"Ireland's influence in Europe has been really significant in the last twenty years and as such we have been very successful in attracting jobs to Ireland. Competition for attracting jobs is getting tougher and a key attribute we have in Ireland is the influential position we have held within the EU and the unique relationship we have with the US, however we need to maintain this so that we hold onto jobs and protect our position in terms of job creation. I think it is key to vote yes to Lisbon to keep our influence in the EU and protect the unique position we have enjoyed in the past." |
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MARK O'CONNELL // RUNNER BEAN DELI"Anyone who ever read 'WHO MOVED MY CHEESE' knows that in life anyone who stands still and buries their head in the sand, while everything is changing around them, will find it very hard to survive. We have to be out there beavering away or we will be left behind- we've got to ensure we take the future in our own hands. Better to be playing than sitting on the bench." |
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VINCENT CLEARY // GLENISK (Organic Dairy Company)"I believe it's vital that we Irish align our thinking to that of Europe...its crucial for small companies like ourselves". |
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CATHERINE QUINN // GLENISK (Organic Dairy Company)"I think Europe is very important for Irish business to do well in the future". |
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