Political leaders warmly welcomed the Yes vote on the Amsterdam Treaty over the weekend, with the Taoiseach the only one cautioning that lessons must be learned from the high No vote.
Mr Ahern told a press conference in Dublin Castle that "the result clearly shows that the Irish people want to maintain neutrality and sovereignty. There is no support for federalism and any further integration clearly has to be justified." He nevertheless welcomed the "massive Yes vote" which, he said, reaffirmed Ireland's commitment to Europe. He remarked that "we normally have 30 per cent against any referendum."
Mr Ahern insisted there was no shortage of information available and paid tribute to the Referendum Commission for doing a good job in difficult circumstances. But he acknowledged the need to revisit the Government's interpretation of the McKenna judgement and the remit of the Commission.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Andrews, welcomed the result, saying it confirmed that the people wanted Ireland to continue as an active member of the EU.
Making no reference to the high No vote, Mr Andrews said this was the fourth time the Irish electorate "have shown their commitment to making a full success of Ireland's membership of the European Union."
He said the value of the treaty would become more apparent when it came into force. "The next few years will be of crucial importance to the Union as it prepares to meet the challenges ahead, including further enlargement. I believe the Amsterdam Treaty equips us to face these challenges more effectively."
The Fine Gael leader, Mr John Bruton, said he was pleased with the result. "Our strengthened foreign and security policy will now enable Europe to play a bigger part in bringing peace to the world. This involves a real commitment by Ireland - closer European union involves taking responsibilities as well as benefits."
The Democratic Left leader, Mr Proinsias de Rossa, also welcomed the result, saying it marked a significant step towards the creation of a more democratic, social EU.
"Irish voters have shown good judgement in supporting the changes provided by the Amsterdam Treaty, as a result of which the specific objectives of the EU will now include the promotion of a high level of employment and social protection."
He said he believed the fears expressed by some that the treaty would end Irish neutrality and result in Ireland being dragged into NATO or the WEU were misplaced.
Lorna Siggins adds from Galway: The "absurdity" of the McKenna/Coughlan court judgements has been criticised by the former arts minister and Galway West Labour TD, Mr Michael D. Higgins, at the weekend. The court ruling was "quite anti-democratic" and imposed a "Californian suburban mentality" on Ireland, Mr Higgins said. He said that it was obvious that people were not engaging in the detail of the Amsterdam Treaty, and were dissatisfied with an "unaccountable bureaucracy".
Residents of Roundstone village in Connemara expressed some surprise at the Amsterdam poll results, which showed that they had voted resoundingly against it.
"No, there was no concerted plan here," Ms Ann Conneely, proprietor of Eldon's Hotel, told The Irish Times. "I must say I am in shock. We are always looking for European money here."
Mr Tim Robinson, the writer, cartographer, environmentalist and leader of the Save Roundstone Bog campaign, was also taken aback. "I am surprised, though I voted No. But I haven't talked to many people around the place about it."