Musgrave urges Yes vote in Lisbon Treaty referendum

Musgrave, partner to Centra, SuperValu, Daybreak and Daytoday retailers in the Republic of Ireland, today called for a yes vote in Friday’s Lisbon Referendum and said that ratification of the Treaty was in the best interest of the Irish food sector and economic recovery.

In the Republic of Ireland Musgrave partners with over 1,000 community based grocery retailers who own and operate their own stores. It equips these retail partners with sales, marketing, IT, finance and logistical expertise and leverages its scale and buying power to allow them compete aggressively on quality and price.

Commenting Chris Martin, Group Chief Executive, Musgrave, said: “Ireland has exercised a strong informal influence within the European Union which has proved vital to the social and economic development of the country. The food sector, in particular, has benefited greatly from access to European markets and EU support mechanisms which have helped to both create and sustain employment. The sector is currently operating in an era of unprecedented challenge and Ireland must continue to have the maximum ability to shape the support and regulatory environment which is set to a large degree by the EU.

“A No vote would destroy Ireland’s capacity to influence EU decision making and policy which would have a hugely negative impact on the food industry and, consequently, the economic sustainability of local communities across the country”.

He continued: “at a broader level, as an open economy Ireland is seen internationally as a gateway to Europe a yes vote will reassure the international investment community at a time of global economic crisis that Ireland is fully committed to the European Union. It will help restore our international reputation but more importantly it will ensure that Ireland remains at the heart of Europe, benefiting from the supports which will assist economic recovery”.