Madam, - I am not surprised by the reported result of the recent Red C poll (July 28th), which indicates an increased No bias towards the Lisbon treaty. I voted Yes but the attitude of European leaders towards the result has been difficult to accept. These people obviously believe in democracy on the George Bush model:
(1) A free and fair vote;
(2) A free and fair count;
(3) A Supreme Court to change the result, if the people get it wrong. In this case, instead of the Supreme Court, the people must keep voting until they get it right.
This is not a proper application of democracy.
To advance the matter, some items need to be agreed.
(1) The Irish No result causes a European problem not an Irish one, to be solved by Brian Cowen alone.
(2) A second referendum is not a solution.
(3) The referendum was about the Lisbon Treaty, not about Europe. Ireland has not voted to leave the EU.
(4) There is no real possibility of the EU "expelling" Ireland. There is no mechanism for this. Neither is there much chance of the EU developing one, since other nations will be wary if it is being used against them.
Some other general comments: (1) The main cause of the no vote was a mixture of ignorance and indifference. Even now, many of us cannot see that the Lisbon Treaty matters in any real way.
(2) The leaders of the No campaign are in general a non-elected bunch of cranks. They haven't a hope of success in any election where the Irish people see a real issue. The No vote was not a vote for them. Therefore, they do not speak for anyone. (President Sarkozy please note). - Yours, etc.,
PAT BREEN,
Athlone,
Co Westmeath