Most lawyers have trouble agreeing on the many ways this document could be interpreted. How can a public, some educated more than others, possibly have a clear understanding? Do the Irish think, or those who voted NO, that the rest of Europe is stupified? The rest of Europe has no understanding of democracy? But they seem to believe some of those splendid rumors, like the one about chips implanted in their babies? Well done Irish, have another beer, instead of moving Europe to a new level of democracy and cooperation. You've had enough money from them in Brussels, so what do you care? According to you, no other plan. More seperation and nationalism, in fear of your autonomy? Fear of loosing ...

Most lawyers have trouble agreeing on the many ways this document could be interpreted. How can a public, some educated more than others, possibly have a clear understanding? Do the Irish think, or those who voted NO, that the rest of Europe is stupified? The rest of Europe has no understanding of democracy? But they seem to believe some of those splendid rumors, like the one about chips implanted in their babies? Well done Irish, have another beer, instead of moving Europe to a new level of democracy and cooperation. You've had enough money from them in Brussels, so what do you care? According to you, no other plan. More seperation and nationalism, in fear of your autonomy? Fear of loosing culture? Mostly fear I guess, period. What a pitty. But proud.

It's very complicated. There was no major single issue why it was rejected, but we were no buying a pig in a poke even if ALL the major parties wer for 'YES'. Can you imagine in America?

I was personally very challenged. Not voting at all would have been my preference - or "NONE OF THE ABOVE" - instead of 'YES' or 'NO' but that is the cowards way out.

My problem with the 'NO' was too many items - abortion, divorce, taxation, and such - that had nothing got to do with the Treaty were supposedly the reason for 'NO'. This time every crackpot could be against and heard as there were no compelling reason 'FOR'.

Secret American funds were a major disruptive factor. If it was the usua...

It's very complicated. There was no major single issue why it was rejected, but we were no buying a pig in a poke even if ALL the major parties wer for 'YES'. Can you imagine in America?

I was personally very challenged. Not voting at all would have been my preference - or "NONE OF THE ABOVE" - instead of 'YES' or 'NO' but that is the cowards way out.

My problem with the 'NO' was too many items - abortion, divorce, taxation, and such - that had nothing got to do with the Treaty were supposedly the reason for 'NO'. This time every crackpot could be against and heard as there were no compelling reason 'FOR'.

Secret American funds were a major disruptive factor. If it was the usual right-wing semi Christian money or this time government money, I do not know, Even if they were supporting an agenda that I supported I'd always be against foreign money influencing the democratic system in another country. Particularly when our democratic system can stand up to scrutiny against any other.

One strong 'NO' factor was Irish neutrality - something I'm strong on myself but didn't know as many females were equally concerned about. Iraq reinforces out desire and right to neutrality. Irish mothers and wives don't want Irish troops fighting Bush's wars,
anywhere.

Another factor for me was EU support for the US/Israeli blockade of Gaza.

Well, it's been a little while now. Yet we were not really independent except politically until we were fully integrated members of the EU. We were also consistently one of the most pro-EU countries. We might appear now to be ungrateful given what the EU has done for us.

Like only the Swiss, Swedes, and Finns, we value our neutrality very highly. Our political parties might have been prepared pre Friday 13th to slide on this. Not in the future. It was the one rational idea that united all, either for or against.

The UK made us pay dearly for it and it's now ingrained in our psycho. We have what's called a triple lock on it and yet we would not budge an inch.

Some contrast with the UK an...

Well, it's been a little while now. Yet we were not really independent except politically until we were fully integrated members of the EU. We were also consistently one of the most pro-EU countries. We might appear now to be ungrateful given what the EU has done for us.

Like only the Swiss, Swedes, and Finns, we value our neutrality very highly. Our political parties might have been prepared pre Friday 13th to slide on this. Not in the future. It was the one rational idea that united all, either for or against.

The UK made us pay dearly for it and it's now ingrained in our psycho. We have what's called a triple lock on it and yet we would not budge an inch.

Some contrast with the UK and US where the military are centred in everything. Unarmed police and unseen military. And we're happy, maybe happiest.. No fear. We must be mad. Ha ha.