25/08/2008
Roche Lends Support To Second Lisbon Referendum Proposal
The European Affairs Minister has said he supports having a second referendum on the Lisbon Treaty.
Dick Roche (pictured) said although the Government has yet to make a decision on the matter, his own personal view is that a re-run of the Treaty referendum would be the "appropriate response" to the Ireland's European troubles.
In an interview with French national news service France 24 just before the vote in June, Mr Roche was asked, "assuming the 'No' vote wins, what will happen next in Ireland and Europe?"
Although avoiding suggestions of a second treaty at the time, he answered: "I think it will be very, very bad for Europe if the 'No' vote wins. And very bad for Ireland.
"I believe that this is a good treaty (although it’s very difficult to read). I believe that the content of the Treaty, and the aims and the objectives of the treaty, are very beneficial for the European project."
However, during Dick Roche's recent comments the Minister said that "we can't rule out the possibility of a second referendum if the circumstances are right".
"My personal view is that a referendum is ultimately the appropriate response to the position in which we find ourselves," he said.
The Government is playing down his comments - it has said it will not be making any decision until a detailed analysis of the defeat is completed.
(DW)
Dick Roche (pictured) said although the Government has yet to make a decision on the matter, his own personal view is that a re-run of the Treaty referendum would be the "appropriate response" to the Ireland's European troubles.
In an interview with French national news service France 24 just before the vote in June, Mr Roche was asked, "assuming the 'No' vote wins, what will happen next in Ireland and Europe?"
Although avoiding suggestions of a second treaty at the time, he answered: "I think it will be very, very bad for Europe if the 'No' vote wins. And very bad for Ireland.
"I believe that this is a good treaty (although it’s very difficult to read). I believe that the content of the Treaty, and the aims and the objectives of the treaty, are very beneficial for the European project."
However, during Dick Roche's recent comments the Minister said that "we can't rule out the possibility of a second referendum if the circumstances are right".
"My personal view is that a referendum is ultimately the appropriate response to the position in which we find ourselves," he said.
The Government is playing down his comments - it has said it will not be making any decision until a detailed analysis of the defeat is completed.
(DW)
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07 February 2008
Ombudsman's Concern At Limited Children's Referendum
The Ombudsman for Children has said she is opposed to holding a limited referendum dealing only with child protection, which may run on the same day as the Lisbon Treaty referendum. Emily Logan said she did not support the calls to hold two separate referendums on children's rights and child protection.
Ombudsman's Concern At Limited Children's Referendum
The Ombudsman for Children has said she is opposed to holding a limited referendum dealing only with child protection, which may run on the same day as the Lisbon Treaty referendum. Emily Logan said she did not support the calls to hold two separate referendums on children's rights and child protection.
24 June 2008
Anti Lisbon Group Plans Rough Welcome For Sarkozy
Plans to stage a series of protests against a visit by French President Nicolas Sarkozy have emerged. An anti-Lisbon Treaty group, People Before Profit Alliance (PBPA) are to make their voices heard as they claim Mr Sarkozy is behind the idea of holding a second referendum on the Lisbon deal.
Anti Lisbon Group Plans Rough Welcome For Sarkozy
Plans to stage a series of protests against a visit by French President Nicolas Sarkozy have emerged. An anti-Lisbon Treaty group, People Before Profit Alliance (PBPA) are to make their voices heard as they claim Mr Sarkozy is behind the idea of holding a second referendum on the Lisbon deal.
23 June 2008
Pope Visit In Time For 'Yes' Vote?
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10 June 2008
Cowen Avoids Commitment On Collective Bargaining
The Taoiseach has failed to say collective bargaining in the workplace, enshrined in the Lisbon Treaty, will be extended to workers in Ireland. Responding to a call from the country's largest trade union, Brian Cowen was unable to give a commitment to the SIPTU before it could recommend a yes vote to its members.
Cowen Avoids Commitment On Collective Bargaining
The Taoiseach has failed to say collective bargaining in the workplace, enshrined in the Lisbon Treaty, will be extended to workers in Ireland. Responding to a call from the country's largest trade union, Brian Cowen was unable to give a commitment to the SIPTU before it could recommend a yes vote to its members.
28 November 2008
Referendum Replay Revived
An official opinion has now emerged that a second referendum might after take place after all on the contentious Lisbon Treaty. Debate on how to tackle the Lisbon Treaty impasse are intensifying in an effort to find the "elements of a solution" by December's European Council, Taoiseach Brian Cowen said last night.
Referendum Replay Revived
An official opinion has now emerged that a second referendum might after take place after all on the contentious Lisbon Treaty. Debate on how to tackle the Lisbon Treaty impasse are intensifying in an effort to find the "elements of a solution" by December's European Council, Taoiseach Brian Cowen said last night.
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