Sinn Féin To Oppose Lisbon Treaty

At a meeting of the party's ard chomhairle Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams said it would be formally launching its campaign against the controversial treaty this week.

"This was a bad treaty when last it was presented," Mr Adams said. "The people said no. Exactly the same treaty is being presented once again."

Senior activists and grass-roots members from across Ireland met in Navan to discuss its high-profile campaign and other party issues including the poor showing in the European and local elections and defections by several councillors.

The second Lisbon vote will be held on October 2.

Vice-president Mary Lou McDonald denied the loss of her European seat would dent her credibility promoting the no campaign with voters: "On the last occasion we gave an honest analysis of the Lisbon Treaty," Ms McDonald said.

"We gave people information, we gave advice. But weâ??ve always known in a referendum situation people are sovereign and they make their decision."