Has the no to Lisbon campaign in Ireland been terminally damaged?

[molloyjh]

Oh that's right. My mistake.

I always forget that if a No result is certain, holding a second referendum is not a good idea. Stupid me.

First of all a No result is far from certain. In fact I have seen no evidence, read NONE, that a No would be returned. Secondly a second referendum cannot be held about something that has already happened. They could in theory have a referendum to repeal the ratification, although I don't know the legal ins and outs of such a move.

This really isn't difficult stuff, I can't see why you're having such issues with it.

[arnaudherve]

First of all a No result is far from certain. In fact I have seen no evidence, read NONE, that a No would be returned. Secondly a second referendum cannot be held about something that has already happened. They could in theory have a referendum to repeal the ratification, although I don't know the legal ins and outs of such a move.

This really isn't difficult stuff, I can't see why you're having such issues with it.

We were talking about the French referendum in the last messages, and the publicly declared decision to ratify it through parliament, because a No was certain.

Or if you were talking about the French referendum, you should have written "was far from certain" instead of "is far from certain", and "would have been returned" instead of "would be returned".

I know it's late, but try to concentrate.

[Almanac]

The climate has changed and that will be enough.
People felt comfortable 12 months ago and were able to take a free swipe at the EU.
Now they do not and they will be very reluctant to do the same.

It was hardly a "free swipe" at the EU but the expression in various ways of some very real concerns about the loss of sovereignty.

You can argue the rights and wrongs till the cows come home. Fear will carry it this time.

Which way though? A lot about the EU is frightening.

[molloyjh]

We were talking about the French referendum in the last messages, and the publicly declared decision to ratify it through parliament, because a No was certain.

Or if you were talking about the French referendum, you should have written "was far from certain" instead of "is far from certain", and "would have been returned" instead of "would be returned".

I know it's late, but try to concentrate.

Is that all you've got? No points of fact, just pedantry. It's the sign of a poor argument when all you can do is tackle the grammer.

[arnaudherve]

Is that all you've got? No points of fact, just pedantry. It's the sign of a poor argument when all you can do is tackle the grammer.

The command of grammatical tenses is the duty of those who wish to influence history.

[ibis]

The command of grammatical tenses is the duty of those who wish to influence history.

Perhaps, arnaud, but so is being less than potty. You're only flying on one wing there.

[Almanac]

What "bad things" about the Treaty Almanac? Specific examples please, not wishy-washy slogans.

Sure. Lisbon would be in short a very bad deal!

[ibis]

A handy round-up of nearly every available Lisbon myth. Thanks!

Just for the sake of completeness, could we have a quick list (and maybe a reference) for the "32 new policy areas", the "19 new policy areas", and the "49 such areas"?

[Almanac]

Yeah I just reconsidered as the list needs refining in light of some of the feedback received here!

[ibis]

Yeah I just reconsidered as the list needs refining in light of some of the feedback received here!

It's fine - I copied it in time, thanks.