Gloom sets in in Brussels as Irish reject treaty (1st Lead)

Brussels - A feeling of gloom and uncertainty fell on Brussels on Friday as unofficial results suggested Ireland had rejected the European Union's Lisbon Treaty in a referendum. NO vote campaign posters preminent in an area of central Dublin, Ireland 13 June 2008 as vote-counting continues following the referendum yesterday on the Lisbon Treaty. Early reports are suggesting a 60-40 rejection of the Lisbon Treaty Referendum in Ireland which could have serious repercussions around the EU member countries. EPA/AIDAN CRAWLEY

NO vote campaign posters preminent in an area of central Dublin, Ireland 13 June 2008 as vote-counting continues following the referendum yesterday on the Lisbon Treaty. Early reports are suggesting a 60-40 rejection of the Lisbon Treaty Referendum in Ireland which could have serious repercussions around the EU member countries. EPA/AIDAN CRAWLEYVisibly disappointed EU officials declined to speak before the official results were announced, with the head of the EU executive, Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, due to issue a statement later in the day. His spokesman, Johannes Laitenberger, had earlier declined to respond to questions on the Irish vote, noting merely that the treaty's ratification was in the competence of member states. A number of officials decided to follow the vote count on a giant screen at Kitty O'Shea's Irish pub, a popular hang-out next to the commission's headquarters. 'I am very disappointed, especially when you consider all that the EU has done for Ireland,' its publican said. 'I think the Irish government should have done more to put its message across,' he added. Elmar Brok and Jo Leinen, two German members of the European Parliament who had taken part in the treaty's negotiations, were among the first to react to the news. And both of them urged the remaining eight member states to go ahead and ratify the text, in spite of the Irish no. 'This would be in the best interest of the member states and the citizens of the EU,' said Brok, a conservative. Despite the crisis, the treaty should not be shelved, added Leinen, a socialist. 'Eighteen countries, that is more than two-thirds of all member states, have already ratified the treaty, and the ratification process in the remaining member states should go on without any delay or interruption,' Leinen said. The Lisbon Treaty is designed to streamline the running of the 27- member bloc. It was agreed after years of intense wrangling and was meant to replace the failed EU constitution that was rejected by French and Dutch voters in 2005. Its rejection by Ireland was expected to seriously damage the prospects of it coming into force in early 2009, as planned. Member states will have a first opportunity to discuss the results of the referendum during a meeting of foreign ministers scheduled to take place in Luxembourg on Monday and Tuesday. The institutional discussions would likely overshadow planned ministerial talks on other important issues such as the deployment of an EU mission in Kosovo, the possible lifting of Cuban sanctions and the difficult situation in Zimbabwe and Myanmar. 'All of the topics on the agenda deserve the ministers' full attention,' noted a source from the Slovenian presidency of the EU. The foreign ministers' meeting was also due to prepare the groundwork for Thursday and Friday's EU summit in Brussels. Heads of state and government had planned to use that meeting to tackle key issues such as terrorism and rising food and oil prices.

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SHAME ON IRELAND !!!!Jun 13th, 2008 - 13:33:53

How small and pathetic, this 'no vote' ! Ireland should be thrown out of EU and all financial aid cut, then the 'no voters' would see !! Also, EU should demand visas for the Irish traitors and no one should come here as tourist any more, boycott this little cowardly place! Europe is such a great achievement after centuries of wars and bloodshed among peoples and you just tried to destroy it !!!! With other far right extremists from other countries too intelligent to put such an important issue to the popular judgment ! Oh my God, shame on you the 'no voters' !!!!

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Sean Shalor UKJun 13th, 2008 - 13:48:18

Gloom they feel - perhaps because they worry that the electors who for so long have been paying those massive bills with no accountability - may decide to stop the gravy-train. Lets hope these unelected beaurocrats will shortly feel even gloomier.
WELL DONE IRELAND !!

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SP4: Long live the freedom loversJun 13th, 2008 - 14:21:55

Saints be praised!

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BillyJun 13th, 2008 - 14:52:07

To 'Shame on Ireland'

Come down off your indignant hysterical high horse, this has nothing to do with 'trying to destroy' the EU, Ireland is among the most pro-european counties in Europe. No this has to do with a badly put together treaty, a hotch potch of the old European Constitution and one that is difficult for anyone including politicians to read and explain. This made it impossible to sell to the voters, the parties resorting to a 'trust me I know what's best for you' approach. Terrible idea.

This does not destroy Europe. What will be interesting will be Brussels reaction to it, that's when you will see if democracy is working. Or not.

The people have spoken, will they be listened to?

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CatherineJun 13th, 2008 - 15:06:19

Thank you Ireland. We are so proud of you! Warmest greetings from France!

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tonny from belgiumJun 13th, 2008 - 15:34:01

It would help if people knew why the treaty was rejected as Ireland is already a part of Europe and is undeniably the country which saw it's living standards raised most of any affiliated countries.These improved living standards would have been impossible without membership as Ireland has been used as gateway to Europe by many international companies.Another elemnt is the low taxing in Ireland which has attracted those companies seeking an entry into europe .A negative setback was the raising price of real estate in Ireland,one of the most expensive in Europe .To my knowledge the gap between rich and poor has widened in Ireland too.Any Irish around wanting to share an analysis regarding the reasons for the no vote ?I wouldn't exctly put my confidence in the silly comments made by SP4,he has no clues about anything .Anyone ?

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ideaJun 13th, 2008 - 17:17:56

send our beloved bush over there to make them behave.
you bush -georgeA.K.A. sp4 's asshole buddy.?

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