Days before the vote, I’ve asked a couple of Irish people what they were going to vote for. Their choice was ‘no’. But the interesting part was the reasons each of them gave.
One reason: everything is going well for Ireland now, why fix it if it’s not broken?
Another reason given:Why is it the future of 27 nations going to be handed over to 18? Will those 18 countries think about the other 9 non-represented ones? Be serious. Don’t think so.
Still another:The treaty is vague. Like it does not specify what are the powers of the president/prime minister etc. and yet they are providing for that position. What the heck he is going to do? Its like signing a blank check.(and the Irish don’t like that) =)
I totally agree with Tony and David when they posted this:
‘The political classes are rapidly losing touch with the will of the people throughout Europe and the shocking pomposity with which our own policital parties demanded a “yes” vote without deigning to explain in any way, shape or form just why exactly it was a good thing for Ireland to cast aside its veto in Europe emphasises the point.’ – Tony
‘The utter contempt that the EU shows to the people it governs is breathtaking. With every further accretion of power it becomes more and more arrogant.’ – David
I saw it for myself. In a show with Brian Lenihan pushing the ‘yes’ vote. His disdain for the other people was so visibile. His demeanor was, ‘I’m smart and you are stupid and therfore you should vote yes because I said so’ and when he talked it didn’t help because he used scare tactics like Ireland would be left behind if it says no.
There were no specifics. Why would Ireland be left behind? How or in what way would Ireland be left behind?
I always believe that in any political debate, a degree of respect and clarity must be observed, most especially to the audience who are tuned in to hear what you have to say or do.
If you asked me, Brian Lenihan did the ‘no’ party a favor.
