In second referendum Ireland passes Lisbon Treaty paving way for EU integration

Irish voters approved the aion gold European Union (EU)'s Lisbon Treaty in a second referendum on Saturday with 67.1 percent in favor, paying way for the integration of the EU. A majority of voters in 41 of Ireland's 43 constituencies voted for the treaty in Friday's plebiscite, according to the results released by Ireland's electoral office.


Ireland has voted in favor of the Lisbon Treaty by 67.13 percent to 32.87 percent, reflecting a 20.5 percent swing to the Yes side since the June 2008 referendum.

Irish Taoiseach Brian Cowen said credit for the result rested with the Irish people who had shown a determination to be at the center of Europe. "We will now work with all our partners in ensuring aion kina the reforms this treaty will bring are implemented."

In the first Lisbon Treaty poll, the No side secured 53.4 percent of the vote.
Referendum returning officer Maurice Coughlan declared that the number of Yes votes was 1,214,268 and that 594,606 had voted No.

Of the 43 constituencies, only Donegal North East and Donegal South West voted against the Lisbon Treaty, and national turnout is 59 percent, higher than the 53.13 percent for the first referendum. Dublin South recorded the aion kinah highest support for the treaty, with 82 percent of ballots in favor. This was closely followed by Dn Laoghaire, which had an 81 percent Yes vote.

Across all 12 Dublin constituencies support for the treaty was 69 percent, with a turnout of 59.3 percent.
The observers said the result represents the highest Yes vote in a referendum on Europe since the Maastricht Treaty in 1992, and the turnout was the highest in a European referendum since the original vote on joining the then EEC in 1972.

AT THE HEART OF EUROPE
Speaking on the steps of Government Buildings, Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen confirmed that the Lisbon Treaty would aion account be carried "decisively" and the electorate had "done the right thing for our own future and the future of our children."

He said the Irish people had "spoken with a clear and resounding voice" and declared their intent "to remain at the heart of Europe where our future belongs."

The Irish people had taken "a decisive step for a stronger, fairer and better Ireland and a stronger, fairer and better Europe" and it was "a good day for Ireland and a good day for Europe," he said.

Cowen claimed that the "resounding" backing for the Lisbon Treaty had sent a message to other countries in the EU that "we stand with them as we seek to move forward together."

The challenge now was to work "with all our partners to ensure that the reforms this treaty brings will be implemented," he said, noting that climate change, cross border crime and economic difficulties are key areas which would need to be addressed.

However, Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams said the Irish political establishment had ignored the decision of the Irish voters after the first Lisbon Referendum and they would regret the day they ignored the views of "No" voters this time.