How will you vote in the Lisbon Treaty referendum?

[andrew]

Since its quite an important issue I created this forum to group together all the discussions. It would be nice if a neutral POV list of all the pros and cons could be drawn up....

So how will you vote in the Lisbon Treaty referendum?

(I'll be voting yes btw)

[FutureTaoiseach]

I'm definitely voting "No". I may be open to considering a renegotiated treaty later on though. I genuinely like the EU and the Euro, but regard it as flawed and believe the Treaty will cross the line between what an acceptable division of powers between state and EU institutions would be. The Charter of Fundamental Rights will override the Irish Constitution allowing the ECJ to strike down masses of legislation in new areas like asylum, industrial relations etc. The raising of the minimum blocking-minority from 27%+ to 35%+ will make it harder to block legislation on the Council of Ministers via QMV that we don't like. The surrender of vetoes amounts to an erosion of sovereignty. The end of the Irish Commissioner robs Ireland of any automatic right to a say in EU legislation on the top EU table. The mutual-defence pact locks Ireland into a militarised European superstate where Irish sons and grandsons will be sent to foreign wars that do not concern us. The treaty gives the EU a "legal personality" opening the way for a single EU seat at the UN, denying Ireland a voice and that forum, as well as potentially - as explained in Magill magazine - allowing for the creation of the much-heralded European Public Prosecutor and a creeping European federal judicial system. In short, Ireland's days as a nation state are over in this treaty. The Treaty leads to Tax-Harmonisation by increasing the QMV blocking-minority from 27%+ to 35%+ thereby making it harder to block countries pressing ahead with CCCTB under Enhanced Cooperation. The citizens power of petition is purely advisory and a toothless figleaf intended to buy off those concerned about democracy in the EU. Vote No.

[constitutionus]

hopefully with a pencil (no, by the way)

[DOD]

An absolute definitive no. I have no time for the way the EU is structured.

[L'Chaim]

I haven't a clue how I'm going to vote. To tell you the truth I haven't a clue what the referendum is about. I tried to read a couple of the threads on here about it, but to be honest my eyes just glazed over once the usual tit for tat slagging starts.....which was probably about half way down the first page. There's one thread that has 17 pages so far. I shudder to think about even trying to wade through all that.

[DavidMurphyperson]

I think this treaty is a move in the right direction, It will reduce the democratic deficit in the EU and make it more accountable, it also provides for the protection of public services for the first time.

I in no way see it as an end bu as a means to an end, with the additional powers granted to the parliament i'm sure MEPs will push for more.

[FutureTaoiseach]

I haven't a clue how I'm going to vote. To tell you the truth I haven't a clue what the referendum is about. I tried to read a couple of the threads on here about it, but to be honest my eyes just glazed over once the usual tit for tat slagging starts.....which was probably about half way down the first page. There's one thread that has 17 pages so far. I shudder to think about even trying to wade through all that.

If you don't know vote no. Then the politicians will have to explain it properly.

[Fionn_McCool]

If Le Pen, Kevin Myarse and the usual coven of Euro-sceptic malcontents (funded from God knows where) recommend a "NO" vote....

I will be voting "YES"

.

[DOD]

If Le Pen, Kevin Myarse and the usual coven of Euro-sceptic malcontents (funded from God knows where) recommend a "NO" vote....

I will be voting "YES"

.

Hardly a strong reason for voting no.

[fergalr]

I'm definitely voting "No". I may be open to considering a renegotiated treaty later on though.

You think there's going to be a renegotiated treaty? This is the renegotiated treaty? We'll be put in a corner by ourselves like the Union's naughty, errant child while the rest get on with things if we vote against.

People are perfectly entitled to vote No but can we end the fantasy of Ireland single handedly starting a third set of talks?

I'll be voting Yes. My trust is in the Government and Department of Foreign Affairs to have not negotiated away our sovereignty