Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I reject all the contentions the Deputy makes in respect of this matter as he ascribes them to me. There is full respect for and acceptance of the "No" vote. The Lisbon treaty cannot come into effect unless all member states agree to its ratification. That is accepted by everybody with whom I have met. No disrespect is being shown and there is no question of people being forced to do anything.

The only people I ever heard talk about coercion under the guise of democracy were those who subscribed to a theory that one could have the ballot box in one hand and an Armalite in the other. That is the only coercion I have ever heard of in Irish democratic circles, which the Deputy willingly supported.

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