Hi all. From what I observe, Irish citizens are shocked by the many declarations of officials throughout Europe according to which the Lisbon process must continue. Nothing more natural than being shocked by the non respect of a democratic vote.

However, I suppose many of you also wonder what all those declarations are all about in reality, since, the Lisbon treaty being a legal process and not a personal fancy, it is rejected in law as soon as one of the Member States has refused. Why then would persons in high public charges declare publicly that they want to do something illegal?

We also observe on the Continent a tsunami of press articles explaining that the Irish are evil or illiterate, that Europe is in "crisis", and so on. But then again, there is a difference between criticism and exclusion from the human species. If criticism is excessive, it becomes less credible, and reading the same phrases or almost the same articles throughout Europe may make you wonder if it is sincere.

Well, I just discovered today the real strategic intention, reading my local newspaper. Sometimes local newspapers are revealing because that are less strictly subject to Eurocratic control.

It appears that all those declarations are not aimed towards the Irish, but towards the citizens of the rest of Europe. Including the declarations of your own government. It appears that the real intention is to prevent your example from spreading everywhere. Hence the vehement excommunication.

Therefore it seems to me that the best reply is not to feel offended, but to quickly find the ways of explaining to the citizens of other EU countries too what extent your decision was moderate, that you are not against any sort of European cooperation, and that saying no was politically legitimate and legal.

As far as I can see it, this could take the form of publications in the websites of the various No organizations, and also by organizing grassroots meetings on the continent, with your main orators as guest speakers.

Just my two (euro) cents.