13/06/2008

Lisbon Treaty Rejected

Irish voters have rejected the Lisbon Treaty.

With results in from 38 of the 43 constituencies, the Lisbon Treaty is being beaten by a margin of 53.7% to 46.3%.

According to RTÉ this afternoon, while that margin is expected to tighten as more results are announced, the result is not in doubt.

Just six of the constituencies declared so far - Clare, Dublin South, Dublin North, Dún Laoghaire, Kildare North and Meath East - voted in favour of the Treaty.

The 'No' camp is already warming up for a big celebration to mark the anticipated defeat as early results came in.

Kerry voters are the latest to reject the Lisbon Treaty by a large majority. Voters in the two constituencies of Kerry have returned strong 'No' votes in the referendum with almost 60% in Kerry North and more than 57% in Kerry South against the proposal.

Four other constituencies - Waterford, Sligo-North Leitrim, Tipperary North and Tipperary South - have also reported majority 'No' votes.

The Socialist Workers' Party (SWP) called the results so far a victory for everyone who opposes a Europe dominated by big business.

As counting continues to an expected resounding victory for the 'No' camp, the SWP described the result as a victory for everyone who opposes the new militarism that would be introduced by the Treaty.

A statement from the SWP read: "Many of the 490 million people in Europe who were deprived of their right to vote on this Treaty will be also delighted.

"In rejecting Lisbon, Irish voters have struck a blow for democracy and demonstrated their solidarity with their fellow Europeans.

"This failure to ratify the Lisbon treaty must surely be the final nail in this undemocratic Treaty. There is no room for renegotiation and we call upon the Irish government and the EU Commission to take the Lisbon Treaty off the table in its entirety.

"People did not reject aspects of the Treaty, they rejected the whole package and their vote must be respected."

Although counting continues, most observers now believe the Treaty will definitely be defeated when the final results are announced this afternoon.

(DW)

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