17/07/2008

Sarkozy To Discuss Treaty Rejection During Visit

French President Nicolas Sarkosy is due to hold informal discussions about the Lisbon Treaty debate when he visits Ireland on Monday.

Mr Sarkozy was reportedly scheduled to hold a public meeting with opponents of the Treaty during his short stay. However, it has been suggested that French officials became nervous about the plan and abandoned the idea. Mr Sarkozy will now meet with representatives of both sides of the referendum issue privately.

The French Premier caused controversy earlier in the week when he said "the Irish will have to vote again" in reference to the rejection of the Treaty last month. The comments were made to his officials during a private meeting.

The comments were played down by Taoiseach Brian Cowen, currently on an official visit to New York, who said it had to be acknowledged that there was a wide range of views across Europe about the problems faced after the No vote.

The remarks were also labeled as "unhelpful" by Labour party leader Eamon Gilmore. Mr Gilmore added that Mr Sarkozy will not be able to fully understand the reasons behind Ireland's rejection of the Treaty in a six-hour visit on Monday.

Meanwhile, Britain has officially ratified the Treaty, with the final stages of the passing of the agreement completed today.

See: Cowen Plays Down Sarkozy Treaty Remarks

(NS/JM)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

23 June 2008
Pope Visit In Time For 'Yes' Vote?
Sunday’s announcement that Dublin will host the 50th international Eucharistic Congress in 2012 has sparked renewed speculation of a papal visit next year.
16 July 2008
Cowen Plays Down Sarkozy Treaty Remarks
The Taoiseach has played down remarks made by French President Nicolas Sarkozy on the possibility of another referendum on the Lisbon Treaty. Speaking to his deputies during a meeting in his office yesterday, Mr Sarkosy said that "the Irish will have to vote again" in reference to the rejection of the Treaty last month.
24 June 2008
Anti Lisbon Group Plans Rough Welcome For Sarkozy
Plans to stage a series of protests against a visit by French President Nicolas Sarkozy have emerged. An anti-Lisbon Treaty group, People Before Profit Alliance (PBPA) are to make their voices heard as they claim Mr Sarkozy is behind the idea of holding a second referendum on the Lisbon deal.
11 June 2009
Sarkozy Would "Even Be Ready To Travel To Ireland" Over Treaty
French President Nicolas Sarkozy has said he is prepared to travel to Ireland to gather support for the second referendum on the Lisbon Treaty. Last years vote on the controversial treaty returned a no vote in Ireland, despite visits from Mr Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
01 October 2008
Mini EC 'Summit' For Cowen
Speculation over a Lisbon Treaty vote re-run in Ireland is likely to intensify this week with news that Taoiseach Brian Cowen and French President Nicolas Sarkozy are meeting in Paris today.