Austrian government falls victim of Irish referendum 

Ironically, the first government to fall following the Irish 'no' was not the one led by Brian Cowen. Although not the only reason which prompted Austria's People's Party to leave the coalition government, the blunder by Gusenbauer - who said future EU treaties, including an amended Lisbon Treaty, should be subject to popular referenda - triggered dismay even within his own Social Democratic Party. 

The conservatives strongly oppose popular votes on EU treaties. Even within his own camp, Gusenbauer was seen as playing a dangerous game, tapping into anti-EU sentiments.

Conservative Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik called Gusenbauer's outburst "a panic attack at the top of the government, an intellectual and political short circuit". 

"We need clarity and that's why I want early elections as soon as possible," People's Party Chairman Wilhelm Molterer said in Vienna. 

New elections could take place in September. No matter what the result, Gusenbauer stands little chance of being involved in the next executive. The Social Democrats had already announced they will replace him as their party leader following a defeat in local elections earlier this year.