Minister Martin announces comprehensive analysis on the Lisbon Treaty referendum and public attitudes toward the European Union.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Micheál Martin, TD, has announced that, as part of its analysis of the outcome of the Lisbon Treaty referendum, the Government today decided to commission a research project. Its aim will be to clarify the reasons underlying the rejection of the Treaty and to provide information on public attitudes toward the European Union.
Speaking after today’s Cabinet meeting, Minister Martin said:

“The outcome of the referendum on the Lisbon Treaty requires serious reflection and analysis in the period ahead. At last week’s European Council, it was agreed that more time was needed to analyse the situation and that the Council’s October meeting will receive a progress report. This project will allow for a deeper understanding of the factors that shaped the outcome of the referendum and will represent an important input into the Government’s analysis of the best way forward for Ireland.”

Commenting on the findings in the Eurobarometer survey which was published today, Minister Martin said:

“I welcome the findings of the survey which show that Irish citizens are among the most positive in their general attitude to the European Union and that we have a strong sense of the benefits EU membership has brought to our country. Today’s Eurobarometer findings indicate that a massive 82 per cent of Irish people believe that Ireland has benefited from our membership of the Union. This is higher than in any other Member State. I believe that this very positive attitude will be a source of strength as we move forward in the coming weeks and months.”

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Press Office
24 June 2008