Ireland

Irish vote 'no' on European Union treaty

Article published on the 2008-06-12 Latest update 2008-06-14 13:58 TU

A campaign poster in favour of a "yes" vote in Dublin
(Photo: Reuters)

Ireland has vetoed the European Union's new governing treaty, casting a blow to efforts to forge a more united Europe. Voters rejected the Lisbon treaty by 53.4 percent to 46.6 percent, putting end to an agreement that required ratification by all 27 EU countries. The rejection turns next week's EU summit in Brussels into a crisis-management exercise, overshadowing efforts to tackle soaring food and energy costs. 

The presidency of the European Union has said it deeply regretted the rejection by Irish voters of the Lisbon Treaty.

"The Slovenian presidency of the EU deeply regrets this outcome. Nevertheless, we respect the democratic will of the Irish voters," said Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa, whose country holds the EU's rotating presidency.

Labour Party leader Eamon Gilmore said the Irish peoples' decision must be respected, ruling out support for a second referendum.

"While I am naturally disappointed with the outcome of the referendum on the Lisbon Reform Treaty, I fully respect the decision of the electorate," he said.

Ireland was the only country in the 27-nation bloc to hold a referendum on the treaty, which foresees a long-term president of the European Council of EU leaders, a stronger foreign policy chief and a mutual defence pact.

The "no" campaigners stressed that the referendum will change Ireland's military neutrality and abortion ban.

The Lisbon Treaty takes up many of the propositions found in the failed EU constitution, which was killed off by French and Dutch referendums in 2005.