Another Europe is Possible with No! 2 Lisbon result

national | eu | press release Friday June 13, 2008 19:05 by No! 2 Lisbon osfnational at yahoo dot ie

It has indeed been a Friday the 13th the yes campaigners would rather forget. A resounding No! 2 Lisbon was the result, with a comfortable 110,000 votes ahead and a margin of 53.4% to 46.6%.

A considerable achievement considering the profile of those calling on support for the Lisbon Treaty. Sinn Féin was the only major party to call for a No! vote.

Sinn Féin and their youth wing Ógra Shinn Féin have continuously said that a better deal could be negotiated for Ireland in Europe, and as a result have campaigned and canvassed for a no vote.

Speaking on the result, National Organiser of Ógra Shinn Féin Barry McColgan said,

“We would like to commend all the progressive groups and people who have played their part in this excellent result, especially those who came out to cast their vote. The electorate in the 26 Counties have stood up for Ireland, and Europe, they have voted in the best interests of the almost 500 million European citizens’ denied a vote, including the 1.8 million in the North of Ireland.”

“People have voted for a social Europe, for a Europe that protects worker’s rights, promotes public services and respects the sovereignty and neutrality of nations.”

“Another Europe is possible, the people who came out across the 26 counties to vote No! have made that a reality. It is now up to the Dublin government to negotiate and demand a better deal for Ireland and Europe.”

“And it is also imperative that all the progressive organisations that ensured a resounding No! vote, continue to work together, campaign, and organise for the type of Europe they envisage, a ‘free federation of free peoples.’”