Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Guy Buys $123 Safe on eBay, Finds $26,000 Inside Seller tries to get half the cash back, fails »

EU Reform in Peril As Ireland Votes No

Brussels plunged into chaos after referendum fails

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 13, 2008 7:36 AM CDT
Email

(Newser) – Ireland has rejected the Treaty of Lisbon, dashing years of effort to reform the European Union. The Irish Times cites preliminary reports that the "no" vote has prevailed with about 52%, won mainly among rural and urban working class areas. The ruling and opposition parties both supported the treaty, but some voters felt it surrendered too much autonomy to the EU.

The vote will likely scupper the entire Lisbon Treaty, which must be ratified unanimously. Many voters complained that they did not understand the pact, which is largely a repackaging of the EU Constitution rejected by the French and Dutch in 2005. Turnout in yesterday's referendum was low, not exceeding 45%, which analysts said hurt the "yes" side.

The No vote appears to have won in the Irish referendum on the Treaty of Lisbon.
The No vote appears to have won in the Irish referendum on the Treaty of Lisbon.   ((c) renaissancechambara)
A woman walks past graffiti urging a 'NO' vote in Ireland's forthcoming referendum on the Lisbon Treaty, in Dublin, Monday June 9, 2008.
A woman walks past graffiti urging a 'NO' vote in Ireland's forthcoming referendum on the Lisbon Treaty, in Dublin, Monday June 9, 2008.   (AP Photo)
Counting begins in Dublin, Ireland, Friday, June, 13, 2008 following voting on the Lisbon Referendum.
Counting begins in Dublin, Ireland, Friday, June, 13, 2008 following voting on the Lisbon Referendum.   (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)
Counting begins in Dublin, Ireland, Friday, June 13, 2008 following voting on the Lisbon Referendum.
Counting begins in Dublin, Ireland, Friday, June 13, 2008 following voting on the Lisbon Referendum.   (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)
Taoiseach Brian Cowen speaks to the media at a Press Conference in Dublin, Ireland, Tuesday, June 10, 2008.
Taoiseach Brian Cowen speaks to the media at a Press Conference in Dublin, Ireland, Tuesday, June 10, 2008.   (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

'The mother of all political crises'
Financial Times (UK)

A nightmare Friday the 13th for the EU
Times (UK)

 
European Union • Ireland • referendum • Treaty of Lisbon • Brian Cowen

More Newser Stories

EU Divided in Wake of Ireland's 'No' Vote

Irish Vote Could Make Stew of European Unity

Cowen Teeters as Greens Quit Irish Gov't

Ireland PM Cowen Quits as Party Leader

Irish PM Refuses to Quit Over Debt Crisis
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne