|
|
|
Forum Member
 
Group: Moderators
Last Login: 07/12/2009 17:05:48
Posts: 44,
Visits: 165
|
|
Q. Why am I voting for a second time on the Lisbon Treaty
Having analysed the results of the last referendum on the Lisbon Treaty, and having secured legally binding guarantees to address the concerns of the Irish people who voted no last year, the government decided it was necessary to hold a second referendum in October.
Analysis of the last referendum result showed that issues surrounding taxation, family, social, and ethical issues, and Ireland's policy of neutrality played a part in the rejection of the Lisbon Treaty, despite the fact that these issues were not affected by the treaty. The legal guarantees have clarified these issues.
Also, as a result of Irish concerns, all EU countries will have a permanent European Commissioner.
Furthermore, a number of voters rejected the treaty because they were unhappy with the information they were provided with in the run up to the treaty, and that they were unsure as to what exactly what the Lisbon Treaty meant for Ireland.
With clarity provided via the legal guarantees, and more effort being invested into explaining the Lisbon Treaty in more accessible terms, the government is holding a second referendum.
------------------
www.talktoeu.ie
|
|
|
|
|
Forum Guru
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 12/11/2009 11:42:47
Posts: 51,
Visits: 44
|
|
To be honest - I was quite angry when I heard that there was going to be another referendum - but I remember being just as angry in the run-up to the last one because NOBODY seemed to have a clue what the thing was about.
I think people voted no because it was 'better to be safe than sorry'. But I'm more clued in this time, so I'm looking on the interim period as a chance for all involved to clear up the questions.
The Irish said - take us seriously, we aren't going to vote yes just because it's convenient for the EU - and I think we've been listened to.
I'm looking forward to hearing a few debates, and to do my own personal vote on who makes the most outrageous claims. 'If you vote yes, Aliens will eat your baby!'
eek!
|
|
|
|
|
Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 25/09/2009 10:22:05
Posts: 7,
Visits: 8
|
|
Agree, the legal guarantees are the reason to have a 2nd vote.
I too am looking for more informed debates this time round.
I believe voters, like me, were not fully informed last time and that the Government attitude that we should simply trust them that the right decision is to vote yes did not wash as trust in the Government was low.
Trust in the Government remains low (perhaps at an all time low), that is why I believe this time round all parties should push a more informed campaign explaining, with valid reasons, why a Yes is good for Ireland and good for Europe.
I believe BOTH sides of the campaign should not use scare tactics or invalid reasons this time. Is there a code of conduct for referendum votes? If so, one should be brought in.
|
|
|
|
|
Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 03/09/2009 21:42:50
Posts: 8,
Visits: 8
|
|
2B (20/08/2009)
I believe BOTH sides of the campaign should not use scare tactics or invalid reasons this time. Is there a code of conduct for referendum votes? If so, one should be brought in.
Couldn't agree more.
Although, I would rely on the Referendum Commission and the talktoeu Guide to the Lisbon Treaty, rather than campaigners, to inform myself about the content and implications of the Treaty. (I did that last time around with the Referendum Commission, and will be doing that again!)
|
|
|
|
|
Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 08/09/2009 17:18:24
Posts: 1,
Visits: 3
|
|
How long before political parties ask us to vote again when they don't agree with the results of a general election? Will this be put down to the electorate being uninformed?
I voted Yes the last time (not because I knew about the Treaty but because I wouldn't support any of the parties asking for a No vote). I was disappointed with the result but I would prefer if the outcome was respected. For me being asked to vote on this again suggests a belittling of our Constitution. Yes means Yes and No means No. Can the supporters of the No side ask for the referendum to be held again if people say Yes this time?
|
|
|
|
|
Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 07/09/2009 21:50:55
Posts: 1,
Visits: 2
|
|
The reason we are voting on this again is because we voted "NO" the last time and will most likely be ask to vote again if that happens this time.
Robert
|
|
|
|
|
Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 08/09/2009 16:17:59
Posts: 1,
Visits: 4
|
|
Thedeise (07/09/2009)
The reason we are voting on this again is because we voted "NO" the last time and will most likely be ask to vote again if that happens this time.Exactly, if it's another NO we may face a Lisbon neverendum. With France and Holland having rejected essentially the same treaty (EU Constitution) and Ireland having also rejected the EU Constitution in Lisbon guise, the rerunning of Lisbon reveals the EU political classes disdain for the people. It is an affront to democracy. Even those who voted Yes in Lisbon 1 should stand up for democratic principle by rejecting Lisbon 2.
|
|
|
|
|
Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 13/09/2009 23:44:19
Posts: 9,
Visits: 24
|
|
StraightTalker (08/09/2009)
Thedeise (07/09/2009)
The reason we are voting on this again is because we voted "NO" the last time and will most likely be ask to vote again if that happens this time.Exactly, if it's another NO we may face a Lisbon neverendum. With France and Holland having rejected essentially the same treaty (EU Constitution) and Ireland having also rejected the EU Constitution in Lisbon guise, the rerunning of Lisbon reveals the EU political classes disdain for the people. It is an affront to democracy. Even those who voted Yes in Lisbon 1 should stand up for democratic principle by rejecting Lisbon 2. very well put Straight Talker........ refreshing to hear somebody talking straight theese days.. god knows we have far to much fancy talk that says nothing........
|
|
|
|