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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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Early Irish Returns Show Win for EU Treaty

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(AP) – On the second try, Ireland has delivered "a convincing win" for the European Union's reform treaty, Irish Foreign Minister Micheal Martin said today, with the "yes" vote running about 60%  nationwide in early returns. "I'm absolutely delighted for the country. It looks like a convincing win on this occasion," he said. "It's good for Ireland, because I do passionately believe our future is in the European Union and there was no real reason to vote no."

Official results come later Saturday. Ireland's June 2008 rejection of the Lisbon Treaty threatened to derail the EU's painstakingly negotiated plans to modernize its institutions, but the Irish agreed to stage a second vote.

Ballot boxes are opened as counting of votes begins for the European Union's reform treaty at the RDS Election Count Center, in Dublin, Ireland Saturday Oct. 3, 2009.
Ballot boxes are opened as counting of votes begins for the European Union's reform treaty at the RDS Election Count Center, in Dublin, Ireland Saturday Oct. 3, 2009.   (AP Photo/Niall Carson/PA Wire)
A tallyman, left, watches as counting of votes begins for the European Union's reform treaty at the RDS Election Count Center, in Dublin, Ireland Saturday Oct. 3, 2009.
A tallyman, left, watches as counting of votes begins for the European Union's reform treaty at the RDS Election Count Center, in Dublin, Ireland Saturday Oct. 3, 2009.   (AP Photo/Niall Carson/PA Wire)
Irish Foreign Minister Micheal Martin, shown in a Dec. 11, 2008 file photo, said Saturday Oct. 3, 2009, Ireland has delivered
Irish Foreign Minister Micheal Martin, shown in a Dec. 11, 2008 file photo, said Saturday Oct. 3, 2009, Ireland has delivered "a convincing win" for the European Union's reform treaty.   (Yves Logghe)
Former prime minister of Ireland, Garret Fitzgerald watches as counting begins for the European Union's reform treaty at the RDS Election Count Center, in Dublin, Ireland Saturday Oct. 3, 2009.
Former prime minister of Ireland, Garret Fitzgerald watches as counting begins for the European Union's reform treaty at the RDS Election Count Center, in Dublin, Ireland Saturday Oct. 3, 2009.   (AP Photo/Niall Carson/PA Wire)
A Carmelite Convent nun votes at a polling station in Dublin, Ireland, Friday, Oct. 2, 2009.
A Carmelite Convent nun votes at a polling station in Dublin, Ireland, Friday, Oct. 2, 2009.   (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)
Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen and his wife Mary cast their vote in the Lisbon Treaty referendum at a polling station in Mucklagh, Ireland, Friday Oct. 2, 2009.
Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen and his wife Mary cast their vote in the Lisbon Treaty referendum at a polling station in Mucklagh, Ireland, Friday Oct. 2, 2009.   (AP Photo/ Niall Carson-pa)
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MarkMcJackoff
Oct 3, 09 8:12 AM CDT
What a difference a year makes! I don't think the swing vote was in the hands of the Nuns shown in the pic but it is clear that many Irishmen are quietly shitting themselves as the country goes down the tubes. Now of course they want to show unity within the EU, in the hope there may be some more free handouts. Meanwhile Tony Blair will be having his new Presidential suit pressed ready for inaugeration. Reply
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