The Irish government announced on Wednesday 10 September the opening of a national consultation process on Ireland's future relationship with the EU, marked by the publication of a government-commissioned study on the causes of Irish voters' rejection of the Lisbon Treaty in the referendum of 12 June.

The research suggests that, as well feeling that they had not been provided with sufficient information on which to base their decision, two key issues for Irish voters were the defence of Irish military neutrality and the existence of a guaranteed Irish Commissioner. The study reveals fears, particularly among women voters, that young Irish men could be conscripted into an EU army.

The results of the study will be influential on any compromise package that Ireland receives in a bid to revive the Lisbon Treaty. The Irish government is already exploring the possibility an opt-out out from European security and defence policy, and the French EU Presidency has announced its willingness to consider amendments to the treaty aimed at reassuring Irish voters.

However, opinion polls show a majority of Irish voters still oppose the Lisbon Treaty and it remains uncertain whether and when this situation could be reversed.

Source:

• http://www.euractiv.com/en/future-eu/study-reveals-irish-lisbon-treaty-anxieties/article-175232
• http://www.euractiv.com/en/future-eu/compromise-irish-revote-eu-treaty-takes-shape/article-175187