Minister Martin Publishes Report On Lisbon Referendum

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin, T.D., published the report on the reasons underlying the result of the Lisbon Treaty referendum last week.

The report which was prepared by Millward Brown IMS also gives details about public attitudes to Ireland's future role in the European Union.

The Minister stressed that "the Government fully respects the vote of the Irish people, and I believe the public will be very interested in what the report shows about attitudes to the Lisbon Treaty, the European Union and the referendum campaign itself. 

"People clearly had worries about issues that came up during the campaign. 

"These included worries about the possible loss of influence for Ireland, corporation tax and neutrality. 

"The report also shows that the Irish Commissioner, abortion, corporation tax, neutrality, conscription and workers rights were among the main issues that gave rise to concern among voters."

The Minister remarked that the survey shows that people felt they did not have enough clear information in the run-up to voting day. 

This lack of information was the single biggest reason given for the decision to vote No or to abstain on 12 June. 

For example, more than four in every ten people who voted against the Treaty said they had voted No due to a lack of information which gave rise to genuine concerns about what they were being asked to vote on.

The Minister said the results also show that people want Ireland to continue to be fully involved in the Union. 

Seventy per cent agree that membership is a good thing, while a mere eight per cent disagree. 

"The divisive referendum campaign has not shaken Ireland's belief in the Union," said Minister Martin.

He also said he was very encouraged by the fact that people want Ireland to be fully involved in the EU despite the difficult and often confusing campaign.

"I recognise that there are lessons here for the political system.  People clearly expect to be provided with clear information when we ask them to vote in referendums.  

"We need to address people's concerns as we move forward.  I am hopeful that informed debate about Ireland's future role in the European Union can go a long way toward reassuring people about the important issues that are now at stake for us. 

"We all need to work together to address the challenges facing Ireland in Europe in the wake of the referendum result," he concluded.