by John Holdstock (not verified) - 19/06/2008 - 19:59
I would have voted "No" because I am not prepared just to be told what to do by an incompetent government who listen to know one and just do their own thing,which we currently have in the UK.Neither am I prepared to be governed by a non-elected President and other European Minister who also do their own thing and set their own rules.
As an Irish ex-pat I have tried to understand what seemed at first to be an incomprehensible decision.My conclusions are these. Major reasons were
*Fears/unease that the dense language of the treaty concealed a trap. Was there a 'get out' clause? We had a job getting out of the UK.
*The derrogations and opt-outs ( to sweeten the treaty) were brief (3 years) and we had no confidence that our political establishment could resist the pressures which would be exerted on them after that respite.
*European law takes precedence over national law in certain areas! We've sold our independence, for what?
*The intention of 'maintaining military capacity' and contributing to 'mutual defence' (could that include Turkey?)elicited deep suspicion. The 'foightin Irish' are paradoxically committed to neutrality and very sceptical of 'intervention' in troubled third world countries .
*Immigration. Fears that The Charter of Fundamantal Rights could oblige states to give a whole load of rights and legal process to illegal immigrants and burdens to states which would neccessitate regular amnesties. An empty fear? Perhaps, but again the Irish Government has not been reassuring.
*Ireland loses continuous entitlement to a commissioner.
Minor reasons were
*Insulting and empty arguments that Ireland 'owed this vote to the EU'.
*Language from the French foreign minister which sounded threatening. Thought, 'If he threatens us now, what will he do when we are under his control?'
*No appetite whatsoever for further expansion. We are 1% of the EU population. Should it be doubled or tripled in size from this point in time, we do not believe we can get anymore benefit.
Non-reasons:
*'Irish stupidity'. Forget this one. The electorate is well-educated and very politicised.
I signed the petition at this url: http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Abandon-Lisbon/C4OTEsBWNga8AM0IurAXlkx
Why are so many politicians so determined to be so authoritarian and oppose the will of their electorates? I can only suppose that a corrupt action is prompted by corrupt motives, which certainly won't be in my interest.
I have been opposed to joining Europe, ever since my Government agreed to Europeans destroying our fish stocks, driving the cost of fish into the luxury bracket and putting many species on the endangered list.
by the way in the captcha is that a 9 or a g?
I most definitely would have voted NO, I have never wanted to be part of Europe, I didn't want the channel tunnel either. This is an island and it has a monarchy and should stay that way. We should not have to abide by the laws and decisions of other countries, we have opened our borders and are now invaded - yes invaded - by all and sundry because someone in the EU parliament says we have to take them in.
We should be much more stringent - like the australians - and keep our country safe and our borders closed to all but those we choose to allow in. It is absolute claptrap to say that they have enhanced our society, they come here and start demanding we run our country the way they want, if they don't like our ways and laws then they should either not come here in the first place or go somewhere else that doesn't mind changing.
Our government doesn't dare to allow a referendum because they know it would be a resounding NO, they only want to be part of it because of the many perks they personally get from it.
So Europe what has happened to our HUMAN RIGHTS? The right to vote.
I disagree with the Irish vote, but I can understand it. I hope the EU leaders will take a close look at the reasons the treaty was rejected by the Irish, who definitely bit the hand that has been feeding them. The EU's operations are complex and most are not well explained. Most of them do not affect individuals in any obvious way. Others involve wacko micromanaging, like telling the French how to make cheese. The bureaucracy is expensive and once it's there, it's not likely to shrink. Putting the specific issues of the treaty aside, which I'd guess the "no" voters did, there is a large and entirely understandable fear factor. The EU leaders need to address that.
It was simply easier for many NO voters to allow marketing to decide their vote. Many did not even know the salient issues of the treaty. No was a chance to exercise the power of a small country. Easier to protest than analyse and discuss issues which affect 26 other countries. I dont care whether the vote would be yes or no, as long as people make the effort to have an honest and informed decision. Democracy requires social commitment and dedication; not marketing manipulation of unmotivated consumers.
by Colin Shepherd (not verified) - 17/06/2008 - 20:38
The Irish have spoken for a vast number of people in EU countries. Why are the Euro-elite afraid of giving all countries a referendum. Because they know we would reject it and the gravy train for failed politicians we be slowed down. Gordon Brown promised us a referendum but won't let us have ine. Presumably he's hoping for a job in Europe when we throw him out in a couple of years.
Disastrous for Ireland - they'll probably have to leave the EU (or vote yes in another referendum, when the Irish realise what they are rejecting) and what a shame that would be when membership seems to have done the country so much good.
What are people so afraid of? We need a strong united Europe to counterbalance the large and looming presences in the rest of the world.
by Rick Millward (not verified) - 17/06/2008 - 17:57
Privatization hasn't done good here in the United States; it has only allowed the wealthy to rob everyone else, almost a license to steal. Natural resources should be for every ones pleasure - not a commodity.
by Michael Abbiss (not verified) - 17/06/2008 - 16:34
The Republic off Ireland was the only country to give its people the vote on the Lisbon Treaty and the people voted NO. I believe that people in many other countries would also have voted "NO" if they too had been given the chance to vote. To criticise the Irish is to criticise democracy - I just wish my own Government had shown its belief in democracy by giving us a vote too.
by Geoff Comer (not verified) - 17/06/2008 - 15:16
The EU cannot even abide by its own rules. The lying hounds in the Labour Party promised us a referendum which we never had. The result would have been a resounding 'no'. We are sick and tired of EU interference in our daily lives. We agreed to a common market, not to a dictatorial political juggernaut. The sooner it all folds the better it will be!
I am shocked at the reaction of European leaders in discounting the result of the Irish referendum. How many other countries would have voted "No" if given the chance? Probably a very significant number. I would vote "No", not because I'm anti-European but because I object to the political dirigisme from the European "elites".
by Michael Wallace (not verified) - 16/06/2008 - 09:25
Dear Brian & José,
Why I voted NO!
1. I am a citizen of the Republic of Ireland and Europe
2. I voted against E.U directives on water rates, meters and privatisation. Water is a human right not a commodity to be sold.
3. DEMOCRACY - it is my right to do so but it is something that is denied to other member country's citizens. I would remind people that in February a poll by CSA published in L’Humanité in France. 59 per cent of respondents wanted a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty, while 33 per cent think parliament should decide on its ratification. This week in the UK there was a high court action to force PM Gordon Brown to hold a referendum. While in Dublin, German Citizens are out to support the NO Vote.
4. I vote no against tax. Sooner or later eurocrats will want to bring in an American styled tax system where we will be paying both state and federal tax and this is not acceptable we are already taxed enough and get little in return.
5. The treaty is too complicated for people to understand which is political words for we don't want you to understand.
The politicians of Europe are out of touch with the people of Europe.
6. The demise of the sugar industry was destroyed by Europe yet they claim to be taking action against climate change and the oil problems now facing the world yet this was an opportunity wasted to reduce both Ireland's and Europe's need for oil by converting the sugar to a bio-fuel industry. But other agendas were meet which were not in the interest of Europe and the People of Europe.
7. An anti-Democratic, anti-free speech statement by a party leader who wants a Dail debate to bar people at their work place from displaying their choice in what they will vote!
8. Where political party's go to an underfunded Daycare Centre for people with Intellectual Disabilities (in co. Meath) to canvas. This caused undue stress to the families and Carers. I feel this was exploiting political gain from the vulnerable and insulting to the families of these individuals. But what is worse they belittle what Europe should stand for!
The Lisbon treaty is dead! And any Vichy Europe that would go ahead with this treaty would show the true demise of the idea of Democracy in Europe. The only way forward is for a social based treaty which will put people before business with out the outside influence of no member states. And an EU where those in charge have the Democratic support of the citizens of Europe and will stand for what the people of Europe want, not what they think we should want or will help their party etc
Lets call it what it was, a vote against anti democratic Europe, a vote for an social and democratic Europe, where people not things come first!
A glowing beacon of Democracy in a sea of bureaucracy drowning liberty
Please understand that any ammendment to our constitution requires a referendum. Its the democratic right of every adult in Ireland. The reaction from the French and German premier is exactly why we rejected this treaty. They claim it will enhance democracy within the EU. They have unequivicably decided to ignore Irelands democracy and undermine its people. Smaller nations in the EU should take note. Transference of power to unelected beaurocrats to decide on the policies for countries of which they have no affiliation is wrong. We might as well be under foreign rule. I am pro EU, but sometimes I will not agree to everything that the EU plans. I, like many others, did enough research and made an informed decision. The government made no positive arguement to vote yes. Alot of people feel, because we are a small nation, our sovereignty is being deminished. We know the EU has been fantastic for us and we recieved billions of euro, we had to give up some of our own resourses worth billions too!! I ask all our european neighbours, please respect our democratic vote. Europe will find a way, but threatening to leave Ireland behind just proves how un-democratic the EU is becoming. Also note that no other country was given a chance to vote...mmm... maybe because they too would vote no!!
Why are we Europeans afraid of Europe, is it not a good thing that we unite and take our place on the world stage, the weakness in the Lisbon treaty is trying to please all. Europe must go ahead with the countries that ratify Lisbon, you must be "in or out" "European or not" 100000 people must not be hold Europe to ransom.
100000 votes affect the future of europe and it's 5000,000,000 people this is not democracy, this is a european problem. Has the irish given a voice of the people answer to europe, or shot their own foot.......
what way would you vote.
The reaction of Barrosa and other EU leaders is indicative of why the Irish voted no. Their answer to this, 'Press on, these little people know nothing'. The French and Dutch voted no and all EU leaders and bureaucrats know that if the other 26 countries voted on the treaty, a large proportion would vote exactly as Ireland did. And Ireland is a largely pro Europe country, whatever people will try to say about us now. When will EU leaders learn to listen and correct the seemingly democratic deficit at the heart of the institution? And stop trying to paint the whole continent the same political colour.
I'm glad that the Irish voted NO, now the EU is showing its real, undemocratic face by saying that Ireland is not that important.
It's time that Barosso and clan step down.
Go home, we don't want you
by Kenneth sheehy (not verified) - 14/06/2008 - 14:15
I am amazed that Europe is trying to push ahead with this treaty. Surely the European union must respect the will of the Irish People? Was the european union not founded on the ideals of Equality for all? or is it a case of majority bullying? If this does go ahead then I will have completely lost my faith in the union. Perhaps my idealistic belief, that even the smallest man was important, is completely unfounded. I have travelled on three continents and I have always felt EUROPEAN and proud of it. Now even though the citizens have asked for something new it will push AHEAD? Is this democracy or some Franco-German alliance to push there agenda on the rest of Europe. Im disgusted. Viva la France.... I guess
It is time for the European burocracy to come down from their pedestals and get in contact with the people to understand their real problems and wishes. This is a historical moment for Europeans, most of which cannot decide what their politicians are doing behind doors.
In my opinion this is nothing but a small set back for European reform. Irish people are very committed to Europe but not at any cost. The biggest problems around this treaty stem from the lack of clear explanations as to what the affects were and that other European countries were not allowing their populations the vote on it too. It appears to many people to be unfair to allow one country (If I were cynical I'd say a scapegoat for others failings).
The Irish say yes lets expand Europe, yes lets reform Europe, but lets do it together, let the people decide and by people we mean all of the European population. The issues at stake here are vast and wide ranging, therefore proper consultation with the people must be sought before, this is not something to be rushed into as many have felt was the case with the recent addition of 10 member states, but it is something that needs time, conversation and proper planning. Its hypocritical to blame the Irish when in really is all our respective governments faults that have place all of us as Europeans in this position.
It's unfortunate that only the Irish have been given the opportunity to have a popular vote on the Lisbon Treaty. The majority of the treaty has been taken from the earlier European Constitution, which was to be voted upon widely across Europe. Why then were other European Citizens not given the opportunity to endorse Lisbon? My guess is that their leaders were not confident that it had a chance of being ratified.
We will see now what the foundations of this new democratic europe are made of? Indeed lets see if the treaty itself is even honoured.
Early indications from Barosso seem to confirm suspicions, we'll ingnore Ireland and plough on. That arrogant unaccountability is exactly what Ireland has said no to. I believe the rest of Europe given the chance would have the same reaction.
To those who rant about how much Europe has given us check some facts and you will see it came at a price to our resources and not to the politicians. It was a trade we entered into at the time and we can live with it. We did not get the best deal but as a poor country we had no choice. We can live with it, but we were not bought and will not be bullied.
I want a democratic european constitution, what we were offered is not good enough.
by Mike Bourke (not verified) - 13/06/2008 - 19:43
If you wish to treat the citizens of Europe as mushrooms, you must expect to get a kick in the pants every now and then. The Irish people were not convinced that the Lisbon treaty was good for them, or perhaps the Irish political parties did not explain sufficiently what was good in this treaty for us. France and Holland rejected the Original constitutional referendum, Ireland cancelled its vote as the constitution could not then be carried. 14 yes votes is insufficient to deem the treaty worthwhile. The EU should be brave and ask all the peoples of Europe to vote
Comments (27)
We want to vote on the referendum
I would have voted "No" because I am not prepared just to be told what to do by an incompetent government who listen to know one and just do their own thing,which we currently have in the UK.Neither am I prepared to be governed by a non-elected President and other European Minister who also do their own thing and set their own rules.
Understanding the No vote
As an Irish ex-pat I have tried to understand what seemed at first to be an incomprehensible decision.My conclusions are these. Major reasons were
*Fears/unease that the dense language of the treaty concealed a trap. Was there a 'get out' clause? We had a job getting out of the UK.
*The derrogations and opt-outs ( to sweeten the treaty) were brief (3 years) and we had no confidence that our political establishment could resist the pressures which would be exerted on them after that respite.
*European law takes precedence over national law in certain areas! We've sold our independence, for what?
*The intention of 'maintaining military capacity' and contributing to 'mutual defence' (could that include Turkey?)elicited deep suspicion. The 'foightin Irish' are paradoxically committed to neutrality and very sceptical of 'intervention' in troubled third world countries .
*Immigration. Fears that The Charter of Fundamantal Rights could oblige states to give a whole load of rights and legal process to illegal immigrants and burdens to states which would neccessitate regular amnesties. An empty fear? Perhaps, but again the Irish Government has not been reassuring.
*Ireland loses continuous entitlement to a commissioner.
Minor reasons were
*Insulting and empty arguments that Ireland 'owed this vote to the EU'.
*Language from the French foreign minister which sounded threatening. Thought, 'If he threatens us now, what will he do when we are under his control?'
*No appetite whatsoever for further expansion. We are 1% of the EU population. Should it be doubled or tripled in size from this point in time, we do not believe we can get anymore benefit.
Non-reasons:
*'Irish stupidity'. Forget this one. The electorate is well-educated and very politicised.
lisbon treaty
I signed the petition at this url:
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Abandon-Lisbon/C4OTEsBWNga8AM0IurAXlkx
Why are so many politicians so determined to be so authoritarian and oppose the will of their electorates? I can only suppose that a corrupt action is prompted by corrupt motives, which certainly won't be in my interest.
I have been opposed to joining Europe, ever since my Government agreed to Europeans destroying our fish stocks, driving the cost of fish into the luxury bracket and putting many species on the endangered list.
by the way in the captcha is that a 9 or a g?
Referendum - a human right
I most definitely would have voted NO, I have never wanted to be part of Europe, I didn't want the channel tunnel either. This is an island and it has a monarchy and should stay that way. We should not have to abide by the laws and decisions of other countries, we have opened our borders and are now invaded - yes invaded - by all and sundry because someone in the EU parliament says we have to take them in.
We should be much more stringent - like the australians - and keep our country safe and our borders closed to all but those we choose to allow in. It is absolute claptrap to say that they have enhanced our society, they come here and start demanding we run our country the way they want, if they don't like our ways and laws then they should either not come here in the first place or go somewhere else that doesn't mind changing.
Our government doesn't dare to allow a referendum because they know it would be a resounding NO, they only want to be part of it because of the many perks they personally get from it.
So Europe what has happened to our HUMAN RIGHTS? The right to vote.
EU leaders, wake up!
I disagree with the Irish vote, but I can understand it. I hope the EU leaders will take a close look at the reasons the treaty was rejected by the Irish, who definitely bit the hand that has been feeding them. The EU's operations are complex and most are not well explained. Most of them do not affect individuals in any obvious way. Others involve wacko micromanaging, like telling the French how to make cheese. The bureaucracy is expensive and once it's there, it's not likely to shrink. Putting the specific issues of the treaty aside, which I'd guess the "no" voters did, there is a large and entirely understandable fear factor. The EU leaders need to address that.
No was just easier
It was simply easier for many NO voters to allow marketing to decide their vote. Many did not even know the salient issues of the treaty. No was a chance to exercise the power of a small country. Easier to protest than analyse and discuss issues which affect 26 other countries. I dont care whether the vote would be yes or no, as long as people make the effort to have an honest and informed decision. Democracy requires social commitment and dedication; not marketing manipulation of unmotivated consumers.
Lisban TReaty
The Irish have spoken for a vast number of people in EU countries. Why are the Euro-elite afraid of giving all countries a referendum. Because they know we would reject it and the gravy train for failed politicians we be slowed down. Gordon Brown promised us a referendum but won't let us have ine. Presumably he's hoping for a job in Europe when we throw him out in a couple of years.
I wish Iwas Irish instead of a cowardly uk citizen. Well done
CONGRATULATIONS
A shame for Ireland
Disastrous for Ireland - they'll probably have to leave the EU (or vote yes in another referendum, when the Irish realise what they are rejecting) and what a shame that would be when membership seems to have done the country so much good.
What are people so afraid of? We need a strong united Europe to counterbalance the large and looming presences in the rest of the world.
Privatisation
Privatization hasn't done good here in the United States; it has only allowed the wealthy to rob everyone else, almost a license to steal. Natural resources should be for every ones pleasure - not a commodity.
I agree with the Irish
the Irish are correct why vote for something with no details if Mr Brown wasnt so scarred of falling out with others Britain would also get a vote
Lisbon Treaty and Irish Result
The Republic off Ireland was the only country to give its people the vote on the Lisbon Treaty and the people voted NO. I believe that people in many other countries would also have voted "NO" if they too had been given the chance to vote. To criticise the Irish is to criticise democracy - I just wish my own Government had shown its belief in democracy by giving us a vote too.
The Irish result
The EU cannot even abide by its own rules. The lying hounds in the Labour Party promised us a referendum which we never had. The result would have been a resounding 'no'. We are sick and tired of EU interference in our daily lives. We agreed to a common market, not to a dictatorial political juggernaut. The sooner it all folds the better it will be!
What price democracy?
I am shocked at the reaction of European leaders in discounting the result of the Irish referendum. How many other countries would have voted "No" if given the chance? Probably a very significant number. I would vote "No", not because I'm anti-European but because I object to the political dirigisme from the European "elites".
Open letter to Brian Cowen, José Manuel Barroso
Dear Brian & José,
Why I voted NO!
1. I am a citizen of the Republic of Ireland and Europe
2. I voted against E.U directives on water rates, meters and privatisation. Water is a human right not a commodity to be sold.
3. DEMOCRACY - it is my right to do so but it is something that is denied to other member country's citizens. I would remind people that in February a poll by CSA published in L’Humanité in France. 59 per cent of respondents wanted a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty, while 33 per cent think parliament should decide on its ratification. This week in the UK there was a high court action to force PM Gordon Brown to hold a referendum. While in Dublin, German Citizens are out to support the NO Vote.
4. I vote no against tax. Sooner or later eurocrats will want to bring in an American styled tax system where we will be paying both state and federal tax and this is not acceptable we are already taxed enough and get little in return.
5. The treaty is too complicated for people to understand which is political words for we don't want you to understand.
The politicians of Europe are out of touch with the people of Europe.
6. The demise of the sugar industry was destroyed by Europe yet they claim to be taking action against climate change and the oil problems now facing the world yet this was an opportunity wasted to reduce both Ireland's and Europe's need for oil by converting the sugar to a bio-fuel industry. But other agendas were meet which were not in the interest of Europe and the People of Europe.
7. An anti-Democratic, anti-free speech statement by a party leader who wants a Dail debate to bar people at their work place from displaying their choice in what they will vote!
8. Where political party's go to an underfunded Daycare Centre for people with Intellectual Disabilities (in co. Meath) to canvas. This caused undue stress to the families and Carers. I feel this was exploiting political gain from the vulnerable and insulting to the families of these individuals. But what is worse they belittle what Europe should stand for!
The Lisbon treaty is dead! And any Vichy Europe that would go ahead with this treaty would show the true demise of the idea of Democracy in Europe. The only way forward is for a social based treaty which will put people before business with out the outside influence of no member states. And an EU where those in charge have the Democratic support of the citizens of Europe and will stand for what the people of Europe want, not what they think we should want or will help their party etc
Lets call it what it was, a vote against anti democratic Europe, a vote for an social and democratic Europe, where people not things come first!
A glowing beacon of Democracy in a sea of bureaucracy drowning liberty
Irish No Vote
Please understand that any ammendment to our constitution requires a referendum. Its the democratic right of every adult in Ireland. The reaction from the French and German premier is exactly why we rejected this treaty. They claim it will enhance democracy within the EU. They have unequivicably decided to ignore Irelands democracy and undermine its people. Smaller nations in the EU should take note. Transference of power to unelected beaurocrats to decide on the policies for countries of which they have no affiliation is wrong. We might as well be under foreign rule. I am pro EU, but sometimes I will not agree to everything that the EU plans. I, like many others, did enough research and made an informed decision. The government made no positive arguement to vote yes. Alot of people feel, because we are a small nation, our sovereignty is being deminished. We know the EU has been fantastic for us and we recieved billions of euro, we had to give up some of our own resourses worth billions too!! I ask all our european neighbours, please respect our democratic vote. Europe will find a way, but threatening to leave Ireland behind just proves how un-democratic the EU is becoming. Also note that no other country was given a chance to vote...mmm... maybe because they too would vote no!!
yes or no
Why are we Europeans afraid of Europe, is it not a good thing that we unite and take our place on the world stage, the weakness in the Lisbon treaty is trying to please all. Europe must go ahead with the countries that ratify Lisbon, you must be "in or out" "European or not" 100000 people must not be hold Europe to ransom.
The tail wags the dog
100000 votes affect the future of europe and it's 5000,000,000 people this is not democracy, this is a european problem. Has the irish given a voice of the people answer to europe, or shot their own foot.......
what way would you vote.
Why NO is the question
The reaction of Barrosa and other EU leaders is indicative of why the Irish voted no. Their answer to this, 'Press on, these little people know nothing'. The French and Dutch voted no and all EU leaders and bureaucrats know that if the other 26 countries voted on the treaty, a large proportion would vote exactly as Ireland did. And Ireland is a largely pro Europe country, whatever people will try to say about us now. When will EU leaders learn to listen and correct the seemingly democratic deficit at the heart of the institution? And stop trying to paint the whole continent the same political colour.
Well done Ireland
I'm glad that the Irish voted NO, now the EU is showing its real, undemocratic face by saying that Ireland is not that important.
It's time that Barosso and clan step down.
Go home, we don't want you
Has Democracy become something else? I hope Europe can hear me.
I am amazed that Europe is trying to push ahead with this treaty. Surely the European union must respect the will of the Irish People? Was the european union not founded on the ideals of Equality for all? or is it a case of majority bullying? If this does go ahead then I will have completely lost my faith in the union. Perhaps my idealistic belief, that even the smallest man was important, is completely unfounded. I have travelled on three continents and I have always felt EUROPEAN and proud of it. Now even though the citizens have asked for something new it will push AHEAD? Is this democracy or some Franco-German alliance to push there agenda on the rest of Europe. Im disgusted. Viva la France.... I guess
Irish Referendum
Will Brussels really respect the wishes of the voters. I doubt it, they haven't done so until now.
Wake up Europe
It is time for the European burocracy to come down from their pedestals and get in contact with the people to understand their real problems and wishes. This is a historical moment for Europeans, most of which cannot decide what their politicians are doing behind doors.
Its not no Europe its a yes
In my opinion this is nothing but a small set back for European reform. Irish people are very committed to Europe but not at any cost. The biggest problems around this treaty stem from the lack of clear explanations as to what the affects were and that other European countries were not allowing their populations the vote on it too. It appears to many people to be unfair to allow one country (If I were cynical I'd say a scapegoat for others failings).
The Irish say yes lets expand Europe, yes lets reform Europe, but lets do it together, let the people decide and by people we mean all of the European population. The issues at stake here are vast and wide ranging, therefore proper consultation with the people must be sought before, this is not something to be rushed into as many have felt was the case with the recent addition of 10 member states, but it is something that needs time, conversation and proper planning. Its hypocritical to blame the Irish when in really is all our respective governments faults that have place all of us as Europeans in this position.
Oliver
It's unfortunate that only the Irish have been given the opportunity to have a popular vote on the Lisbon Treaty. The majority of the treaty has been taken from the earlier European Constitution, which was to be voted upon widely across Europe. Why then were other European Citizens not given the opportunity to endorse Lisbon? My guess is that their leaders were not confident that it had a chance of being ratified.
What next?
We will see now what the foundations of this new democratic europe are made of? Indeed lets see if the treaty itself is even honoured.
Early indications from Barosso seem to confirm suspicions, we'll ingnore Ireland and plough on. That arrogant unaccountability is exactly what Ireland has said no to. I believe the rest of Europe given the chance would have the same reaction.
To those who rant about how much Europe has given us check some facts and you will see it came at a price to our resources and not to the politicians. It was a trade we entered into at the time and we can live with it. We did not get the best deal but as a poor country we had no choice. We can live with it, but we were not bought and will not be bullied.
I want a democratic european constitution, what we were offered is not good enough.
Lisbon referendum in Ireland
If you wish to treat the citizens of Europe as mushrooms, you must expect to get a kick in the pants every now and then. The Irish people were not convinced that the Lisbon treaty was good for them, or perhaps the Irish political parties did not explain sufficiently what was good in this treaty for us. France and Holland rejected the Original constitutional referendum, Ireland cancelled its vote as the constitution could not then be carried. 14 yes votes is insufficient to deem the treaty worthwhile. The EU should be brave and ask all the peoples of Europe to vote