Well with the Lisbon Treaty going through Ireland for the 2nd time (declined it 1st time), it looks as though the Lisbon Treaty will be passed. The Lisbon Treaty is similar to a European Constitution, a set of extra rules and enforcements countries have to follow, it was also include creating the post of President (which Tony Blair is the most likely candidate). The effects could be positive or negative, but It centralizes power and enforces quite alot of international control, with an international army.

So, what do you think of the Lisbon Treaty, and should Ireland vote yes or no when it comes to the 2nd round of voting?

Omg Tony Blair is the best! I want to be under his rule once more so I will move to Ireland

Yes, I think we should invade Saudi Arabia...they have lots of oil.

This is basically saying, we're going to keep making you vote on this until you vote differently.

Iirc, the first time less than 50% of voters actually voted, so that's why they held a second referendum. (Not sure, though.)

Besides that, there *has* to be a reason why more than 20% of the votes shifted from "no" to "yes" in less than a couple years - in my opinion, it's mostly because in 2008 Ireland had a rather positive outlook on its economy (before the current crisis was around), and probably most Irishmen (or, rather, their politicians) thought something along the lines of 'bugger Europe, we can do it on our own'. Then the economic crisis arrived, Ireland, like most other countries, found itself chin-deep in various kinds of dung, and thought 'hey, perhaps it's better to co-operate with other countries'. At least that's my uneducated opinion.

You'll just need to be in one of the 27 EU countries, not necessarily in Ireland. However, I'm slightly disappointed because it allows Italians to be in power. You don't want that, Europe. Trust me.

Also, the President will have a two-year term, so it won't be *that* influential.

wat

That is a declaration of WAR sir! Prepare urself as we bombard ur cities with our catapults!

As for the treaty, it's nice to see that the Lisbon Treaty is moving forward. now the matter of Poland and the Czech Republic. In my mind, if they don't ratify then ignore them and start the party in Brussels by urself. They'll come around after they see an efficient central government that could benefit them. It's better than just waiting there.

Well yes, that's pretty much my opinion - you don't want to ratify the Treaty? Good - since it is what defines the Union, if you don't want the Lisbon Treaty, leave the Union - nobody's keeping you! But that would mean that your agriculture and your market should rely on themselves rather than the whole EU. And not even Germany (the economic powerhouse of the EU) can afford to do that...let alone the Czech Republic (whose economy would be literally ravaged by the loss of a common market with Germany) and Poland (vide Czech Republic and add lots of aid to agriculture).


o no camel cavalry (which should be called camelry actually)

LOL the first thing I thought was Agent Lisbon from The Mentalist ("She got a treaty named after her? ")

We hereby announce July 20th as European Pasta Day.