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Sarkozy: I never tried to meddle in Ireland's affairs

Tuesday, 22 July 2008

'Sarkozy still not getting message' - 'no' campaigners say

French President Nicolas Sarkozy insisted yesterday he would not impose any deadline or solutions on Ireland in an effort to solve the Lisbon Treaty impasse.

Mr Sarkozy, who this year holds the EU Presidency, also claimed he had never suggested Ireland should hold a second referendum and had not tried to "meddle" in Irish affairs.

"I never said Ireland had to organise a new referendum," he said.

"I said that, at some stage or another, the Irish had to be given the opportunity to give their opinion, they had to give their opinion. I never said there had to be a referendum. I didn't say on what question there would be a vote. I did not, in any way, meddle in Irish domestic affairs."

But while stressing there was no deadline or cut-off point to finding a solution, Mr Sarkozy then said "some idea" was needed about whether next summer's European elections should be held under the provisions of the Nice Treaty or Lisbon Treaty.

The French president made his remarks on the steps of Government Buildings yesterday evening after a series of meetings with the Taoiseach, government officials, opposition leaders and campaign groups.

Following a week of controversy over reports that he had said Ireland must hold a second referendum, Mr Sarkozy admitted there was no instant solution to the "situation we find ourselves in". "I don't have a miracle solution that can be found at the wave of a wand. I want the Irish people to feel their choice has been respected and listened to," he said. "We do not want to impose anything."

As the EU president, if he had decided against providing help and assistance, Mr Sarkozy said he would have been accused of "indifference".

The French president added that if people were angered by his reported comments last week then it proved there was "a lot of tension around". "I don't claim to be right on everything but I come as a friend to see a friendly nation with which we have common interests so we have to find, and will find, a solution," he said.

Although Mr Sarkozy was expected to leave Dublin by 5pm, his trip was extended by an hour so that he could spend more time talking to the 'Yes' and 'No' camps at the French Embassy. The French president described his one-to-one meetings with opposition leaders as "fascinating" and "very interesting".

He said he appreciated Ireland's difficulties because his own country had once voted against the European Constitution.

"You're not alone. I know what it's like to be isolated," he said. "We don't want to push you into anything. We just want to listen to you."

Asked about a possible answer, Mr Sarkozy said it was still early days and there was no "turn key solution".

Taoiseach Brian Cowen agreed with Mr Sarkozy that there were no ready-made solutions. "We need patience and understanding from our partners over the coming months as we complete that process," he said.

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This is most annoying to read. There is clearly a convenient political tact disconnect between the "For's and Against's". The NO vote means (I think) NO to the INTENT of the treaty or by whichever names it is preferred. Those that argue FOR seem to interpret the NO as to mean the CONTENT. Thereby all that is needed is to massage the words to appease the NO vote. Most annoying, I am English and have been denied a say, I salute all who speak on our ignored behalf - I believe by reading many articles and comments that the majority of Europeans would vote against this dreadful infrastuctural manipulatiion tool. Hold firm please.

Posted by Alan | 22.07.08, 11:41 GMT

Well, i think it's pitty that a country like Ireland has refused this treaty! Ireland, which got rich in the last 15 years, just because of the money of the EU.
Shame on Irish people- really! If a country like the UK would have refused it, I could understand it, but not from a country like Ireland!
Do u really think that all things we accomplished over 50 years are so self-given?

Posted by Olli | 22.07.08, 07:30 GMT

i welcome a time when english will left EU. They should left Eu. For Ireland from my side i hope you will manage to find a better way then to make referendums on every EU law.

Posted by jhtd, Athen, European Union | 22.07.08, 06:02 GMT

it's democracy itself is now being threatened. What part of "no" do they not understand!

Posted by Mrs. Rene O'Riordan | 22.07.08, 00:37 GMT

Well done Ireland, do not bow to the pressure. I have spent the day reading headlines in the news and getting angry. "The UK ratifies the Lisbon Treaty". No it does NOT! ONE man ratified the Treaty.... The unelected PM, Mr Brown. The UK has not ratified the Treaty because it has not been asked if it wants to. Harriot Harmon says "it's in Britain's interest to be at the heart of Europe", and Nanny knows best! I am getting sick and tired of being told what's good for me without asking for my opinion on it.
Ireland has set an example to the rest of Europe in respect that the Government is there FOR the people and accountable TO the people.

Posted by Dave | 22.07.08, 00:27 GMT

Being that i am Canadian and have grave concern with the secrecy surrounding the Security and prosperity partnership with the U.S and Mexico and also the plans behind the North American Union, I commend Mr. Cowen for remaining stern on the Lisbon Treaty matter. There is a hidden agenda and this agenda does not honor the free will of the general public. These treaty's and Global unions are about the establishment of a one world government - all sovereignty will be lost forever if the global elites, bankers and businessmen are successful. It is imperative to stay on course with the current opposition to the Lisbon Treaty as it is obviously more about power and control rather than Democratic Principles.

Posted by frank | 21.07.08, 21:56 GMT

Dear Irish People,

Just ignore Sarkozy until the end of the French presidency of the UE.

We do not want the Lisbon treaty as well in France, but the "elites" want it so much.

The Irish NO is a hugh breath of air in Europe.

Thank you so much !

Posted by Antoine | 21.07.08, 21:27 GMT

On reading this article, I gained the impression that the Irish Government , having had the courage and good sense to put the question re the Lisbon Treaty to the people in a referendum, are now showing their truly democratic stance in refusing to submit to any bullying designed to make them have a second referendum, in the probably forlorn hope that the people may have changed their minds.
If the UK Government had abided by their promise to the people at election time to have a referendum on the matter, they would, I feel, have found a similar rejection in the UK.
Well done, the Irish Government, more power to their elbows. Now let us have an early General Election here in the UK and get a fairer Government which is truly democratic.

Posted by Dave of Luton | 21.07.08, 15:57 GMT

well done the irish people,you have let europe know you cant be kicked around, unlike the gutless british,of which i am one,anything is good enough for us.

Posted by michael bell, basingstoke | 21.07.08, 15:48 GMT