I'm still unsure how I'll vote in the referendum. There isn't info around about the positives or negatives but still it seems 65% of us will say 'no'.

For those who don't know, its a referendum on whether Ireland will sign an EU treaty on reforms which are supposed to make it more efficient and democratic. We are the only country in the EU thats giving it people a vote on the issue.

If we vote 'NO', then the treaty wont go ahead for any of the 27 member states. Even if they all say yes to it!

Anybody know how they'll vote yet? Or have an opinion??

The entire situation stinks. The countries that have 'passed' it thus far have had it rammed through without much in the way of discussion. Said treaty is for the most part the EU constitution with the part about the flag and national anthem taken out.
The same constitution as both France and the Netherlands rejected previously. Apart from those 2 countries, public opinion is against it Italy, Germany, Spain, Denmark, and the UK. So the majority of people in the 5 largest countries (Germany, France, Spain, Italy, UK) are opposed to it, yet their governments have pressed it through.
On the topic of a referendum, all 3 major parties in the UK promised in their election manifesto's to hold a referendum on this issue, yet when the time came, Labour, yet again, and with effectively the aid of the Liberal Democrats, decided it wasn't a promise that should be kept. Labour voted for it, the Conservative against it, and the Lib Dems did a childish walk-out, handing the majority to Labour. Curiously, treason carried a death penalty until I think 1998, when it was - coincidentally? - abolished by Labour (signing a document that hands away power is treasonous). Our PM was taken to court over this for breach of contract (and the media tried their best to keep it quiet) - his legal representative stood up and argued that "manifesto promises do not constitute legitimate expectation" - i.e. they can't always deliver what they promise. Thats fair enough, but how come thats an adequate defence when over 90% of MP's were elected on a manifesto promise to hold the referendum???!

I imagine the Irish will vote "No", and everything will go on hold briefly, whilst another referendum is arranged so you can give the 'correct' answer.

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This is not war, this is pest control!

In fairness to Bertie, in the first referendum only a tiny amount of people voted. Most people who were in favor thought there was no point in voting cause it would pass anyway. they didn't realize everybody was thinking the same...The second time WAS an accurate reflection of Irish opinion on the Nice Treaty.

By the way I'm stuck on this treaty because even though i think we all need the EU, I'm concerned by what Sarkozy is trying to do. He wants all members to agree on a corporation tax level. Ireland currently has a 12.5% tax, one of the lowest in the EU, and France has 33.33%. We need our low tax rate to attract investment. as an island nation we can little afford to increase the costs of production. Exporting from Ireland already means that we have to add 10% onto costs.

My concern is that if we loose sovereignty to the big countries like France in the EU council and parliament, we'll become the poor man of Europe again.

*bit too much economics there. sorry *

Could some kind and patient soul clarify a few things for me? I'm reading all sorts of reports and getting confused.

Is this the Treaty of Lisbon that I tried vainly to read about, but didn't understand at all? The treaty that Bertie's leaving was to have an impact on?

Also, I feel like an idiot, but isn't nowish like, an anniversary of the signing of something EU related? I seem to recall being at the Acropolis and looking at a memorial.

I think both Sith and Kevin's instincts are right. A uniform corporate tax across the EU is not in Ireland's best interests at all. You will get it anyway in the long run, but I would vote "no" regardless. My two cents.

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This is not war, this is pest control!

constance, i think it was the 50th anniversary in 2007. i saw some posters in Irish on the bus......thats what I think it said anyway

thanks for that bit of info Sith. I don't think the 'no' campaigners will have a problem considering there seems to be no 'YES' campaign. Ah well, turns out I wont have to worry about voting anyway. I wont be in the country.

Update?

U.S. Government filters prevent us from getting the full story.

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Bruce H. Russell, II
bhr3s@yahoo.com
-Quote of the moment:
--“If you have a milkshake and I have a milkshake and I have a straw and my straw reaches across the room and starts to drink your milkshake, I drink your milkshake! Thhhhht! I drink it up!” -Daniel Day-Lewis as Daniel Plainview in There Will Be Blood.

Nice work Bruce!

Turns out Irish referendum may be a waste of time........

http://euobserver.com/7/25774

Wasn't he the Democratic Left guy from a few years back?
Can't say I'm surprised, or that you'll be surprised I'm disgusted. Like I said above, they're intent on steamrollering it through, regardless of the wishes of the majority. The EU knows whats best for us, you see.

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This is not war, this is pest control!