20^th April 2004 

PRESS RELEASE

GREEN PARTY CALLS ON MCDOWELL TO VINDICATE HUMAN RIGHTS OF ALL IN CITIZENSHIP REFERENDUM

The Green Party has called on the Minister for Justice Michael McDowell to honour both the spirit and the letter of the Belfast Agreement. It has called on the Minister for Justice to reiterate his commitment to partnership, equality and mutual respect as stated in the Declaration Of Support that serves as a preamble to the Belfast agreement.

The Green Party Justice Spokesperson Ciarán Cuffe stated: “The preamble to the Belfast Agreement calls on the two Governments to vindicate the human rights of all. We are asking him to allow for a period of considered reflection and debate on this issue rather than rushing a referendum through in the rush of electioneering.”

“We also want him to consult adequately with all Parties in the North as provided for in the Agreement. This should not be rushed through.”

We agree with Michael McDowell’s call for moderate and appropriate language. However he has sullied this debate by using the emotive phrase ‘Citizenship Tourism’. We are calling on McDowell to lead by example with his own choice of words.

ENDS