What now for relations between Ireland and the European Union after the defeat of the Lisbon Treaty?
On 12 June 2008, the Irish electorate rejected the Lisbon Treaty in a referendum.
President of the foreign affairs commission in the French National Assembly, Axel Poniatowski believes Ireland would have to vote again. The vote may be on both the Lisbon Treaty and the future of Ireland within the European Union.
The Irish people will have to vote again.
Speaking at the opening of a craft outlet in Ballinahown in County Westmeath, the Taoiseach Brian Cowen said that it was far too early to speculate on what should happen next. He insisted that despite the uncertainty, EU leaders would allow Ireland time and space to decide on the next steps.
We are in a position of great uncertainty both in terms of the Lisbon Treaty itself and also, of course, in relation to our own position in Europe.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 21 June 2008. The reporter is Ray Colgan.
