Lisbon Treaty rejected by Irish electorate

The Lisbon Treaty has been rejected by the Irish people as counting of votes cast during yesterday's referendum draws to an end around the country this evening.

With only Laois Offaly left to declare a result, the No side is leading by 53.7 per cent to 46.3 per cent. All but seven constituencies have rejected the treaty, with a national running total of 720,665 voting in favour of Lisbon and 837,452 votes against.

Tallies from early on in the count this morning showed the No campaign appeared to be winning in most constituencies across the State, with significant majorities emerging from rural and urban working class areas in particular.

Minister for Justice Brian Lenihan has said Ireland has lost influence in Europe. Speaking as final results were being counted this evening, Mr Lenihan thanked those who voted Yes but said he was “very, very disappointed” with the outcome. “I think it is a very sad day for this country and for Europe as well,” Mr Lenihan said.

He said it was a “serious matter for Ireland” adding: “We have to accept the decision of the people…and that’s democracy and I accept that.

Minister for Foreing Affairs Micheál Martin, who is also director of Fianna Fáil’s referendum campaign, said there was a perceived lack of information on the treaty. "People were on the doorstep were saying 'I still don't know enough about this treaty'."

This was a "significant" factor, the Minister claimed. The Minister said he was not blaming the Referendum Commission but said there was a sense that the treaty "just didn't register" and "lacked a clear tangible".

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- Irish Times

Sore loosers