In a dramatic political U-turn, Ireland has voted decisively in favour of the Lisbon treaty just 17 months after rejecting the European Union's package of reforms.
Two thirds of the Irish electorate backed the treaty – a result that EU president José Manuel Barroso described as a "great day for Europe and a great day for Ireland".
Dramatic indeed. Reportedly, around 64% of the electorate voted in support. Poland is said to be following soon. The Czech Republic will then be the lone holdout, according to wikipedia:
Both houses of the Czech parliament have ratified the treaty, in February[107] and May[108] 2009, respectively. It now awaits the signature of the Czech President, Václav Klaus. He opposes ratification of the Lisbon Treaty, has called for the process to be brought to an end.[109] and has stated that he was in "no hurry" to ratify the document.
I'm not sure what to make of the treaty. I wonder what the average Irishman thinks he's going to get out of it. Ireland was the the only country to put this to a popular vote.
Mr. Motl has a strong opinion though.
Ann says: It is seriously underreported here in the US. I chanced across something about the referendum earlier this week and had to go hunting for the results today.
It's so disappointing. I would have voted 'no' for no other reason than the fact that Europe never takes 'no' for an answer. Ireland voted 'no' a couple of years ago. That should have been enough. But with the EU, you don't have a final answer until you have voted 'yes.'
I also would have thought that the idea of President Blair would have been enough for Ireland to balk.
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