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Why Ireland rejected the Lisbon Treaty
Author(s) -
Brugha Cathal M.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
journal of public affairs
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.221
H-Index - 20
eISSN - 1479-1854
pISSN - 1472-3891
DOI - 10.1002/pa.304
Subject(s) - irish , referendum , treaty , federalist , neutrality , brexit , political science , law , economics , european union , international trade , politics , philosophy , linguistics
The reason why Ireland voted in a referendum on June 12 th 2008 to reject the Lisbon Treaty was mainly due to the failure from Europe to articulate the overall justification for this strengthening of European powers in terms acceptable to the Irish, who hope for a federalist Europe, and don't trust the global military intentions of some of Europe's leaders. Most people were not canvassed door‐to‐door at all. Where there was a canvass it was generally against Lisbon, raising fears about threats to Irish neutrality, and of conscription, as well as about abortion, taxation, and the loss of an Irish Commissioner. While 51% of men voted in favour because of the perceived economic benefits, 56% of women voted against because of the perceived risks associated with a more powerful Europe. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.