TAOISEACH'S REACTION:TAOISEACH BRIAN Cowen has described the decisive endorsement of the Lisbon Treaty as a result that "will give a lot of heart to people" in a period of economic and political difficulties.
Mr Cowen brought forward the time of his post-referendum press conference on Saturday by at least an hour when it became apparent that the referendum would be passed by a substantial majority.
The Taoiseach read out a prepared script on the steps of Government Buildings to a large international media grouping. In his address Mr Cowen said the Irish people had spoken with a clear and resounding voice.
“This is a good day for Ireland and a good day for Europe. We as a nation have taken a decisive step for a stronger, fairer and better Ireland, and a stronger, fairer and better Europe,” he said. “Today we have said to the other countries of Europe that we stand with them as we seek to move forward together.”
He also emphasised the role played by other political parties on the Yes side, implying that the campaign transcended politics. Referring to the other parties in the Dáil, he said: “You have put the nation ahead of party politics and I thank you for that.”
Later, he elaborated on this cross-party approach: “This was not a business-as-usual or politics-as-usual campaign. It was a very important national campaign for the country. And I am very pleased with the outcome.”
Asked had the decision given a fillip to his Government as it faces reviews of the programme for government and the budget, he said: “We go into the task mindful of the fact that the facts don’t change on the ground but this vote will give a lot of heart to people, will uplift the spirit of the people so we can make positive steps forward.”
However, he dismissed suggestions the Yes side prevailed because of a “fear factor”, arguing that a very clear decision had been taken to run a very positive campaign. Asked about the No vote in the two constituencies in the home county of Tánaiste Mary Coughlan, he contended the results were no reflection on her.
“The thing that counts is the national vote. Those areas were particularly strong No votes the last time. They have perhaps stayed on the No side on this occasion. It’s a national referendum. Every vote counts,” he said.
He would not be drawn on question about the repercussions for his Government and himself if the referendum had been defeated. “We did not contemplate defeat. We were all strongly of the view that this would not be an issue that would be used in the context of the domestic political debate,” he said.
He said the key thing was the guarantees received from Europe. “They allowed us to avoid the ping-pong debate that had dominated the previous campaign. Someone was saying something. Somebody else was saying the complete opposite and there was nobody arbitrating in a way that allowed people to get clarity,” he said.
“We did not go on the negative ground with anybody unless we had to rebut clear and obvious errors which could not be allowed stand because allowing them to stand would give them validity.”