(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Almost half of adults in Ireland support the proposed Lisbon Treaty for the European Union (EU), according to a poll by Millward Brown IMS. 46 per cent of respondents would vote yes if a new referendum on the agreement took place.
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Almost half of adults in Ireland support the proposed Lisbon Treaty for the European Union (EU), according to a poll by Millward Brown IMS. 46 per cent of respondents would vote yes if a new referendum on the agreement took place.
EU heads of state officially signed the European Constitution on Oct. 29, 2004. The project for a continental body of law was practically abandoned in 2005, after voters in France and the Netherlands rejected the proposed document in two plebiscites.
In October 2007, leaders of the 27 EU member nations reached an agreement on the Lisbon Treaty and Charter of Fundamental Rights. The Lisbon Treaty provisions call for the creation of new posts, such as a foreign policy chief, and a High Representative who will answer to EU governments and serve as vice-president of the European Commission. The Charter would become legally binding in all EU member states except Britain, which negotiated an exemption.
The EU leaders would also choose a president of the European Council for a two and a half year renewable term. This will effectively eliminate the current six-month rotating presidency among member nations. The Lisbon Treaty also provides for the creation of a mutual defence clause, in case one of the member states is attacked.
Ireland, due to its internal regulations, was the only country that had to hold a nationwide vote on the Lisbon Treaty, while other governments were able to decide whether they wanted to do the same.
In June 2008, 53.4 per cent of Irish voters rejected the adoption of the Lisbon Treaty. Many analysts interpreted the result as the demise of the accord. The Irish government is pondering whether to hold another referendum this year, presenting new benefits for Ireland in the event the Lisbon Treaty is ratified.
Last month, Irish Europe minister Dick Roche voiced concerns over holding a new referendum along with the election to the European Parliament, saying, "I personally do not believe that it would be a good idea to have the referendum on the same day. First and foremost, I believe that referenda should be standalone issues. Secondly, I actually believe that if the referendum were held in Ireland on the same day as the local and European elections it could have a detrimental effect in other countries."
Polling Data
How would you vote in a second referendum on the Lisbon Treaty?
|
Yes |
46% |
|
No |
27% |
|
Undecided |
27% |
Source: Millward Brown IMS
Methodology: Face-to-face interviews to 1,082 Irish adults, conducted in February 2009. Margin of error is 3 per cent.
