Ireland says no to EU

By SHAWN POGATCHNIK, AP


DUBLIN, IRELAND -- Irish voters have rejected the European Union treaty, a blueprint for modernizing the 27-member bloc that cannot become law without Irish approval, electoral officials said yesterday.

In a major blow to the EU, 53.4 per cent of voters said no to the treaty. Prime Minister Brian Cowen now will join other EU leaders at a summit next week to try to negotiate a new way forward.

Anti-treaty groups from the far left and right mobilized "No" voters by claiming that the treaty would empower EU chiefs in Brussels, Belgium, to force Ireland to change core policies -- including its low business tax rates, its military neutrality and its ban on abortion.

"This is a very clear and loud voice that has been sent yet again by citizens of Europe rejecting the anti-democratic nature of Brussels governance," said Declan Ganley, leader of Libertas, the most prominent anti-treaty campaign group in Ireland.

The euro common currency fell to a one-month low on the news.