A millionaire entrepreneur credited by Eurosceptics with killing-off the controversial Lisbon Treaty has spoken with pride about his Garston childhood.

Irish businessman Declan Ganley, 39, was the face behind the Libertas campaign group, which successfully urged voters to reject the unifying treaty in a referendum held last week.

The group’s success has plunged the European project into crisis and elevated Mr Ganley to hero status among voters and politicians opposed to the economic and political expansion of the European Union.

Mr Ganley, a self-made man and devout Catholic teetotaller, was born at Watford General Hospital in 1969 to Irish parents.

He grew up in a house in Chichester Way, where, he said, the Watford Observer was a constant fixture at the family table.

After attending Greenbanks and St Michael’s schools he moved in 1982 to Galway where, in spite of the bullies who taunted his accent, soon began displaying the entrepreneurial spirit that would make his fortune.

It is Watford, however, that Mr Ganley continues to call home.

Speaking exclusively to the Watford Observer from the USA, he said: “Watford is seared on my soul and my accent.

“It has been described as humble beginnings in the press but I had a great childhood in Garston.

“I was a Beaver and a Cub at the 10th North Watford Scout Group and am very proud of where I come from. It is part of me.

“I still have plenty of friends back in the Lemonfield Estate and visit when I can. I am hoping to get over in the next couple of weeks.

“I also still follow the football team. We didn’t do so well last year but I’ve got great hopes for the future.”

The Watford Observer has received a number of letters recommending that Mr Ganley be given the freedom of the town. Others suggested that a commemorative blue plaque be erected at his old house.

He added: “That’s all very flattering and I’m delighted that people have been talking about it. This kind of undemocratic expansion affects the people of Watford just as much as the people of Ireland.”