During a debate in Strasbourg on the proposed EU Constitution, DUP MEP Jim Allister QC, insisted that the referenda in member states must be free of Brussels interference and funding.

Mr Allister in addressing the Council of Minister's representative and the Commission said, "As an opponent of the Constitution, because I dare to cling to a belief in preserving meaningful National Sovereignty, could I ask you to agree that the first priority of the Council should be to ensure that any referenda held are on a basis that is free and fair.  In this regard is it not imperative that two things are guaranteed.

First, that the case against the Constitution should not be suppressed in a welter of one sided propaganda emanating from the European Institutions and second, that the democratic Referendum process is not distorted by imbalanced funding from external sources.

Therefore, can you agree that the Council and the Commission should resolutely resist the temptation of bankrolling a pro-Constitution propaganda offensive across Europe.  These are National Referenda and should be allowed to be so."

Speaking afterwards Mr Allister said he was gratified that this was a theme taken up by other speakers later in the debate but he remained alert to the fact that Brussels undoubtedly wanted to flood the member states with propaganda pushing a 'Yes' vote.  The DUP MEP said that along with parliamentary colleagues in Westminster he would ensure that the Electoral Commission kept a close eye on European meddling and funding.