REFERENDUM - A WONDERFUL RESULT FOR IRELAND AND FOR EUROPE
Friday, June 13, 2008 at 11:06AM This is a wonderful result for Ireland and for Europe, said Cllr Declan Bree, the campaign Director for the People’s Movement, following the rejection of the Lisbon Treaty.
“The establishment here in Ireland aided and abetted by the European elite thought that they could take the people of Ireland for granted. They thought they could brow beat and frighten people into voting yes. They have got their answer loud and clear.
“The establishment and in particular the leadership of Fianna Fail, Fine Gael, Labour and the Greens have lost touch with the ordinary people. And it is clear that the leadership of the IFA, and the ICTU aren’t far behind.” said Cllr Bree.
“Did they really think that the people of Ireland were going to surrender their sovereignty and sell their souls in exchange for a flawed Treaty that was essentially already rejected by the people of France and the Netherlands.
“I wish to pay tribute to all those participated in the campaign against the Treaty – despite the odds and the David and Goliath battle, they have succeeded. I would particularly pay tribute to all those people who voted No.
“I know today that ordinary people all over Europe will be rejoicing at this decision. The citizens of the other 26 EU states have been denied the opportunity to vote in a Referendum and they looked to Ireland in the hope that we would say No to Lisbon.
“We have now delivered for Ireland and for Europe.” Cllr Bree said.
“And we must now ensure that the Government, Fine Gael and Labour and the Brussels elite respect the decision of the Irish people. The Lisbon Treaty is dead. There can be no re-run of this referendum. The people of Ireland have spoken - they have rejected the Lisbon Treaty and what it stands for. Should there be any attempt to ignore the decision of the people it will lead to a situation where ordinary people will lose whatever remaining confidence they have in the democratic and political process in this country.
“This is a great day for Ireland and for the people of the European Union - Democracy has triumphed - the people have triumphed.” Cllr Bree said.