Beverley Flynn (Mayo, Fianna Fail)

I also welcome the opportunity to speak on this debate. While Members in various constituencies will be able to put forward different reasons people voted "No", the single clear result of this campaign is that more than 50% of the Irish people took the time, via the ballot box, to indicate they would not accept the Lisbon treaty. This is the single matter on which one can be absolutely certain. One is uncertain, nationally and in respect of all the constituencies, as to the reason the Irish people decided to do so. However, for those who took the trouble to do so, it is important that Members should respect the wishes of the Irish people and should consider everything seriously before moving forward. I welcome the opportunity afforded to Members to state in this House that they absolutely respect the wishes of the Irish people. Members have heard their voice and will take the time to analyse the reason they made this decision before any move is made to try to bring about a resolution to the position in which we find ourselves.

Throughout the campaign, a number of issues arose, particularly in my constituency, to which Members on the other side of the House have alluded. I come from a coastal community in which there are many fishermen, farmers and turf cutters. Moreover, many local issues that had nothing to do with the Lisbon treaty certainly crept into the debate in recent months. Undoubtedly, the downturn in Ireland's economic circumstances also had an impact on people's sentiments at this time.

In addition, the major positive aspect of the Lisbon treaty, which was reform of the institutions within Europe, simply did not seem to excite or grip the minds of the Irish people. It seemed to be much easier for the "No" side to pick off different aspects of the treaty on which to make outlandish comments. The more such comments were repeated in the media, the more people seemed to take such issues on board and it was extremely difficult to break down the negative feelings that were brought into play with regard to the referendum. This was highly unfortunate because for something of such significance for the country, it was important to fight the campaign with accurate facts.

One of the great disappointments in respect of the Lisbon treaty's failure is that many of its provisions were far better for Ireland than the position in which we now find ourselves, particularly as we now will fall back on the Nice treaty. One issue that arose about which posters were put up in my constituency concerned the loss of a Commissioner. This issue gripped people, who were concerned that losing a Commissioner for five out of every 15 years would constitute a major loss. Undoubtedly, losing a Commissioner for five out of 15 years is not a positive development. It was already accepted following the Nice treaty that there would be a reduction in the number of Commissioners. However, that treaty did not clearly identify how that rota between the different countries would operate. One of the positives of the Lisbon treaty was that this issue was set out clearly and gave equality to smaller states like Ireland. Unfortunately, points like this were lost throughout the campaign.

It may be the case that the "Yes" side was not as vigorous as early as it should have been and that the "No" campaigners got their negative points out there very early on. "Yes" campaigners were fighting the negative comments throughout. We seemed to be on the back foot the whole time. We were contradicting and correcting negative opinions put out by those seeking a "No" vote. As a result, the benefits of this treaty did not seem to get into the minds of the Irish people, which is regrettable.

One positive aspect is that the vast majority of people on the "No" side have been at pains to point out that they are pro-Europe. We must look at this carefully because the way forward for Ireland must occupy our efforts. It is important that Ireland stays at the centre of Europe, which even seems to be the view of those on the "No" side. It is critical that the Taoiseach, when he is in Brussels this week, tries to bring the other countries in Europe on side to allow us the time and space to analyse the outcome and to maintain Ireland's position at the centre of Europe, and to find a positive resolution that can satisfy the needs of the Irish people, but also satisfy our 26 colleagues in the European Union.

It was said in this campaign that there was no plan B and it is clear that many people did not believe that at the time. However, there is no plan B and we must find a resolution to this issue. All sides of the House must do so. There is no point blaming different sides at this stage. We could all argue that in our own constituencies. The most important thing is that the vast majority of elected representatives wanted a "Yes" vote. Let us work to protect our interests and to protect the interests of the Irish people in Europe.

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