Leaders' dreams may yet be dashed by an Irish 'no' [Ireland has only referendum on EU Treaty]

The Times ^ | 12/14/07 | David Charter in Brussels

[bruinbirdman]

Yesterday’s smiles and handshakes masked fears among European leaders that voters could yet scupper their grand project.

Two years ago, after a similarly lavish signing ceremony, referendums in France and the Netherlands halted the treaty’s predecessor, the EU constitution. Now all eyes are turning to Ireland, which is staging the only referendum on the Treaty of Lisbon. Supporters are growing increasingly nervous that opponents will converge on Ireland to halt the whole treaty.

An opposition campaign was launched in Ireland yesterday by the Libertas Institute think-tank, founded by Declan Ganley, a millionaire businessman. “The Irish people have a duty to look very carefully at this treaty because we are the only member state to have a referendum,” he said.

More than 60 per cent are undecided about how to vote, according to a poll for The Irish Times. José Manuel Barroso, the European Commission President, urged Irish voters to bear in mind the resources pumped into their country by the EU since it joined in 1973. “I believe Ireland has been a country that has benefited a lot from the European Union, but has also given a lot to Europe,” he said.

Bertie Ahern, the Irish Prime Minister, said recently that he and treaty supporters “cannot take anything for granted”.

Nine referendums were held or planned for the EU constitution two years ago. Gordon Brown has promised a lengthy period of parliamentary scrutiny during the spring, but no public vote. Derek Scott, chairman of the I Want a Referendum campaign in Britain, said: “Holding a referendum is an opportunity for Gordon Brown to show whether he is really serious about restoring trust in politics, and to answer the critics who say he lacks courage and decisiveness.”

[bruinbirdman]

Ireland has experienced the EU's wrath. She lowered income taxes across the board, simplified regulations and is experiencing untold economic success. The EU has told Ireland her taxes need to be higher to be more in line with other EU countries.

[Old Sarge]

José Manuel Barroso, the European Commission President, urged Irish voters to bear in mind the resources pumped into their country by the EU since it joined in 1973.

TRANSLATION: "We bought you, and we have the receipts."

[Roy Tucker]

Nah, Ireland has been one of the major beneficiaries of the expanded EU. At first, subsidies from Brussels flew in, now they have benefitted from having the Euro as their currency (as opposed to the Brits who kept their pound). Granted their tax policy set them apart but it has allowed the little country to have one of the highest GDP’s in the EU.

The Irish won’t vote against it.

[ARA]

Don’t be surprised when they do vote against it...

[bajabaja]

Not the clearest article, as it says Ireland is the only country to hold a referendum (on the so-called Treaty of Lisbon). At the article’s end it notes nine referendums on the EU constitution. There’s a difference that matters between the two?

[bruinbirdman]

"There’s a difference that matters between the two?"

This is a treaty.

The EU Constitution was defeated. Nine referendums were held on the constitution by various countries, some more than once.

Since the Constitution was defeated by referendum vote of the people, the politicians decided to make the constitution a treaty that needs only approval by the legislative bodies of EU countries.

yitbos

[Joe Boucher]

Ireland should tell the E.U. to go to hell.
And why have the other countries not allowed their populations to even vote for or against this madness?

[bajabaja]

Thanks for explaining the distinction. I asked because, to the dismay of Ireland, I am actually a citizen of that country too. I will relish the chance to thumbs down the EU, but it appears that Europe’s new aristocracy will engineer a way to get what they want.