Successive Governments had, perhaps, tended to take it for granted that the generally strong support which most Irish people continue to feel towards the European Union would automatically translate into a favourable outcome in any related referendum. As a result of the outcome of the first referendum, we have all had to reassess that position and learn that there was no room for complacency. That we did so and responded in a positive and active way to concerns raised was reflected in the outcome of the second vote.