The Irish give thumbs down to the Lisbon Treaty

Ireland has spoken and 53% of those casting votes have said no to the Lisbon Treaty which means it will not become law (for the moment) in the EU, as the treaty must pass all 27 member states to be ratified.
Here are the basics on the Lisbon Treaty:
1. Reduce chance of stalemates in the EU Council through more qualified majority voting
2. A stronger European Parliament
3. Elimination of the pillar system
Creation of a President of the European Council and a High Representative for Foreign Affairs
Lastly if ratified, the Treaty of Lisbon would also make the Charter of Fundamental Rights (human rights provisions) legally binding across all 27 member states.

It is thought by some that the main reason the Irish voted no was a fear of a loss of their autonomy including losing the right to ban abortion and gay marriage among other issues.

This is a quick and dirty take on a monumental and complex occurrence in EU history. For more detail check out: http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/06/13/europe/union.php

Oh yes and this bit on Ireland may be a bit off topic, but I did live in Ireland for a year. And though it has been a decade since I set foot on the Emerald Isle it is a country that stays near and dear to me………………………………………I am just not ready to make a return visit to this most complex tiny island. I would elaborate, but perhaps that is best left to another blog.