26th February 2003

---

Morgan Reacts to Report on Constitution

Sinn Fein TD and member of the All-Party Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution Arthur Morgan criticised today some of the conclusions of the Eight Progress Report on Government. Principally he expressed his concern at the recommendations on War and Neutrality and Corporate Governance.

Deputy Morgan said, ``While welcoming the proposal that, ``declaring war has become an outmoded formality'', and that the term be extended to read, ``war or other armed conflict'', I believe an opportunity has been missed. I feel that Article 28.3.1 should be further amended to require Dail assent for aiding foreign powers ``in any way in preparation for war or armed conflict'' as per Sinn Fein's 27th Amendment of the Constitution Bill.

I also disagree with the conclusion that there that there is no reason to amend Article 29. Sinn Fein believes that neutrality is such a fundamental core value that it should not be left to the whims of a minister for Foreign Affairs or a Government to interpret. It must be enshrined in the constitution.

On the issue of Corporate Governance, deputy Morgan said, ``the current position is unacceptable. A range of semi-state and other statutory institutions such as CIE are currently unaccountable to Dáil questioning or inquiry. I reject the conclusion that the current system of corporate governance will tackle this unaccountability.'' ENDS

---

Sinn Fein Press Office, 44 Parnell Square, Dublin 1
Tel: +353-1-8726100 and +353-1-8726839   ·   Fax +353-1-8733074
E-mail: sfpress@eircom.net   ·   Website: http://www.sinnfein.org

---

Sinn Fein   ·   Sinn Fein Documents

---