Majority of Irish Voters Say No to E.U. Lisbon Treaty
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DUBLIN, Ireland — Electoral officials say Irish voters have rejected the European Union reform treaty with a national “No” vote of 53.4%.
The blueprint for modernizing the 27-nation bloc cannot become law without Irish approval and its defeat is a major blow to the E.U.
Rural and working-class voters heavily rejected the treaty to modernize the E.U.’s powers and institutions in line with its rapid expansion since 2004.
Ireland was the only E.U. member to seek to ratify the Lisbon Treaty through a national referendum. All others are doing so only through their national governments.
Prime Minister Cowen of Ireland will join other E.U. leaders at a summit next week to try to negotiate a new way forward.
