Libertas Anti-European Party will galvanise pro-Europeans to defend the EU

11.58.44am GMT Thu 11th Dec 2008

As the leader of the Irish no campaign launches his anti-European party in Brussels today, Liberals and Democrats in the European Parliament actually believe it will serve to get the issues out in the open, expose the deceit and untruths of the Libertas campaign and encourage pro-Europeans across the continent to be more vocal in support of the European Union.

Graham Watson MEP, leader of the strongly pro-European political group of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) in the European Parliament, welcomed the challenge posed by a party representing diametrically opposing views to his own:

"Far from condemning this initiative of Declan Ganley, he is doing Europe a favour by stimulating interest and debate about the EU which may result in a higher turnout at next year's European elections.

"As democrats, we must recognise that Libertas represents a strand of political thought in several countries and it is only in open debate that we can address the myths and falsehoods that they are perpetrating in their campaigns."

"Pro-Europeans should not be afraid to confront such anti-European arguments head on. I personally would welcome an opportunity to debate the merits of the European Union directly with Mr. Ganley early next year."