Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)

The Taoiseach was undermined by his Government because none of the Ministers campaigned. He was let down. Let us continue with what the young people said to me. Some said: "My mother voted "No" and I told her to do that because I do not want to be conscripted to an EU army". The issue of neutrality was not understood and people did not feel it was safeguarded.

There is no doubt that due to the disconnect the Minister mentioned and the lack of listening the people saw this treaty referendum as an opportunity to hit out at the Government on a plethora of domestic issues. I am pleased that my electoral area of Oranmore carried the treaty but in another part of the Galway West constituency, Connemara, 81% of the people voted "No". Let us consider why they did so. A total of 80% of their land is designated special areas of conservation. They are sick and tired of EU directives that prevent them from keeping sheep on the mountains and from fishing and cutting turf. This was a case of the people taking back their power.

People are fed up and cynical about second referenda being held in this country. The Government must learn to do things right the first time; otherwise, we are learning nothing. I urge the Minister to examine the real concerns that must be addressed before anything is put again to the people. There are real concerns about neutrality and corporation tax, as Senator Ross admirably explained. Above all, there is concern that people should have a say on European directives before they are imposed. The Irish people have spoken and we must accept it. They are weary and need help to move forward at this point.