Study reveals Irish Lisbon Treaty anxieties

The publication of government-commissioned research into the reasons behind the rejection of the Lisbon Treaty by the majority of Irish citizens marks the opening of a national consultation process on Ireland’s future relationship with the EU, the government in Dublin announced today (10 September).

The initial results of the research – conducted by polling firm Millward Brown IMS – are already known, although they will not be published until later today. They confirm information already revealed by EURACTIV this week (EURACTIV 09/09/08) that a compromise package aimed at convincing the Irish to return to the ballot box would likely have to include an opt-out on defence and keep the present system of one commissioner per country. 

Indeed, according to The Irish Times, the study reveals that fears, particularly among women, that young Irish men could be conscripted into an EU army featured high on the list of justifications for the negative vote. The loss of an automatic right to have an EU commissioner representing Ireland also featured prominently. 

A diplomatic source told EURACTIV that if a defence opt-out must be the price to pay for an Irish ‘yes’ to the new Lisbon Treaty, then “so be it”. Meanwhile, a Commission source was optimistic about keeping the current system of one commissioner per country, because other countries are also reportedly starting to have second thoughts about reducing their number. 

But addressing Irish concerns in view of a revote on the Lisbon Treaty is easier said than done. Sources said a second referendum will only take place when polls indicate a shift in Irish attitudes towards future EU integration. 

Read more with Euractiv

Compromise over Irish revote on EU treaty takes shape

A compromise package aimed at convincing the Irish to return to the ballot box and agree to the Lisbon Treaty seems to be taking shape as Dublin considers opt-outs on defence. Meanwhile, EU countries appear to be leaning towards retaining the current system of one commissioner per country in response to Ireland's concerns that it may lose its representative.