what's the point? ireland's "no" vote has killed lisbon. the lame duck exercise that follows seems silly and a waste of public funds. ironically it was likely just this kind of silliness that ireland rejected.

cha-am jamal, cha-am, thailand

String the charlatons up says the voice of the Tooting Poplar Front, off with the heads of states, says the queen of hearts!!!
Democracy is dead now shall we act like our governments and ignore the laws?

JONATHAN ROSE, Gt Torrington, uk

What is the point of having a referendum if the EU are not only not going to take any notice of the result but are also going to in future deny other Countries the possibility of having referendums in the future. Our freedom is disappearing fast .

pedro tam, London, UK

The EU breaks its own law time and again. It is shamelesss in its illegality and deception.
<br/>Legally there is now no 'treaty' left for us to ratify, if one nation rejects it the law is that it cannot be implemented.
<br/>The time for LibDem and Labour lies and deceit is over.

lb, Dalston, UK

The EU technocrats have lost all credibility. Who will believe their weeping and wailing about human rights abuses throughout the wider world when they strangle the fundamental human rights of their own 'citizens'?
Something wicked this way comes.
Bantry, Ireland

Bosco, Bantry, Ireland

Our leaders disgust me. They have no concern for the wishes of the European people.

Sam, Lake Louise,

To Victor, Salamanca, Spain. --The Spanish may be too weak to defend themselves, but the British are NOT. Even if we were part of a EU army, this would consist of the British doing the fighting and all the others staying safely away from trouble as with the Germans in Afgansistan! EU army NEVER

Peter, Canterbury, England

Europe helped the Irish when they were dieing of hunger, now when Europe needed them they turned their backs on her. How selfish.

Franco J Scicluna, Victoria Gozo , Malta GC

Dear Les of Southport, your comments are spot on but I don't think Brown cares about the next election as by then his work will be done; his realtionship with Blair is clearly all propaganda and by the next election they'll will have truely signed away all that is British for their own benefit plan

Richard, Bristol, UK

I hadn't heard of this. How sad. No more Italy? France? Everything just becomes a province of a bigger EU? Does that mean the Queen gets demoted to Duchess of England? The richness of Europe is its diverse culture. Don't detroy it. Bravo Ireland, it's up to you to save European culture yet again.

Tim, Edmonds, Wa., USA

The Irish Repubic have rejected the treaty.
<br/>
<br/>The UK is 'pressing ahead'.
<br/>
<br/>Be advised that Mr Brown is not speaking on my behalf, but he has promised us a referendum on this, so we will stop it when we get the vote.
<br/>
<br/>To avoid waste, can we vote on this quickly?

Mike Hart, London, England

"Legally the treaty requires the ratification of all 27 member states to come into force - but Britain has joined France and Germany in signalling that it will look for a way around that technicality."

Dear God.

Mary, Drums, USA

Filip, Antwerp, I believe you will find that a significant majority of the British would like nothing more than to get out of the EU! Gordon Brown's lot won't give them the basic democratic option of a referendum on the issue. The UK has NEVER benefited from any involvement in Europe!

C. Heathcote, Tonbridge,

The big picture, love a cliche, is about democracy, Voting, the people and the result. They needed all 27. They haven't got it. It's over. No pressing ahead. How long do you think that it will be before Mugabe uses this as an example? What's happening to our country?

Shaun Hughes, London, England

No means No - surely

I thought that over the last few decades that we had established that 'No means No' and not 'urged the EU to press ahead with the project despite admitting that the referendum result was a serious blow'. So in the EU 'No' means 'Really means yes but is being difficult'???

Stuart, Wessex,

Before the Eurocrats go further with treaties etc, they should put their house in order, by auditing everything including their expenses

bob, Birmingham, uk

1% of the Europeans were allowed to vote and the discredited polititians

CHRIS , Bristol, uk

I wonder if the USA would accept asylum claims from Britons any time soon.

Phill, The Wirral, England

Legal is legal, 27/27 is required, not 26/27.

Stop the ratification.

Gordon 'Technicality' Brown we want OUR referendum if you can't take the hint !

In the last referendum, I voted for Trade and co-operation, not
to give our very hard won freedoms away to you or anyone else.

cap, Lincoln, UK

Why do you say "Britain" presses on with ratification? Don't you mean Gordon Brown? The British are polled as soundly opposed to it by a far greater margin than the Irish. Apparently few politicians in Europe care, which is why they will find themselves out of a job come the next elections.

Catherine, Chicago, USA

Time to re-negotiate the UK OUT of the EU.

Let's be like Norway, Trade and co-operation, not Political and legal subservience to Brussels.

Let's NOT continue to fund the gravy train

cap, Lincoln, UK

Any country is free to leave the EU. The problem is that countries like Britain and now Ireland are opposed to any reform of the EU, mostly for purely irrational reasons, but are not prepared to step back and let other countries go ahead. Please, just leave the EU.

Filip, Antwerp, Belgium

there is more chance of robert mugabe accepting a democratic vote. than the EU.

bruce matthew, dundee, scotland

Lisbon treaty reminds me of a bit of treaty that was supposed to live on the earth. So it's not fair. People should be united to fight with it for their rights.

cristiano, Wuhan, China

Plainly the voters are not keen on a strengthened EU, but their views are to be ignored (in their own interests, naturally).

Why on earth do Europeans allow themselves to be treated in this way?

Sarah, Sydney, Australia

So basically democracy works OK when the voters give the "correct" answer. When they don't they are ignored. Hope this adds some momentum to David Davis' campaign....

MM, London, UK

Regarding the Irish "No" from the country that got the biggest amount of value from the Community and reading the comments here and learning from my studies in Scotland(financed by the EU) I come to the sad conclusion that you guys from the Islands don't (want to) see the higher context...

Michael, Hanover, Germany

There are 3 million Irish voters of which only 53% went out to vote and of whom only 53% voted "NO" therefore 750,000 people are decieding the fate of 500,000,000 Europeans that is just not what I would call a real democracy!! The EU in its current form is just not functional! GO LISBON!!!!!

David, Budapest, Hungary

Only 14 governments have ratified the treaty to date!!! Only HALF!

Steve Bush, Cirencester, UK

Outrageous. Ireland is declared to be 'isolated' in rejecting the treaty. Ireland is also the only country which has allowed its electorate a vote on it. See the connection Jim? Murphy's comments show the undemocratic arrogance of his government, and all the other European governments, bar Ireland

Paul McQuillan, Sunderland, UK

Who does Gordon Brown think he is , to me he is not the elected P.M and has no right to dictate to the people what he wants we DON'T this referundum should not go through and the back door either. Men and women have died for this country so we have a free country until we get BROWN get out Brown!!

ann , oxford, england

The Lords still have a chance to stop the Ratification. They should vote against it until a Referendum has been held in the UK.

Donna Walker, Effingham, England

The wish to ratify the Lisbon treaty is understandable: If it is not ratified the treaty of Nice specifies that the UK(,France..) will loose around 8% of its weight in the EP in comparison with Germany in the 2009 EP elections.With Lisbon,the UK will gain 4,5% comp. w. ger. according to Nice in 2009

Fred, Geelen,

The new world order will fail because the lies and deceit are far too obvious for all to see with stunts like this being pulled. It's only a matter of time before a revolution occurs in the face of this dictatorial behavior.

Mark Gregory, Exmoor, England

Democracy = " The ruling of the people for the people by those who claim to know best" eg. Adolf, Mao, Castro, Maggie, Brown and the present bunch supporting him.

Dave Madley, Alicante, Spain

This article should be titled "European Tyrants and Central Bankers will force Empire Despite Irish Desire for Liberty". The same thing is hapening with the illeagal formation of a North American Union under the SPP treaty.

mike anderson, Nome, AK, USA

Some people on this need to get a grip & ACTULLY read the treaty before they jump up & down.

Each country will get one less Commissioner, while being on an even rotation. The elected EU Parliament will now vote on legislation 90% of the time, instead of the present 2/3rds. Sounds pretty good 2 me

Wen, Hobart, Australia

Both my grandfathers died trying to protect the integrity and independence of this country. Now we have a bunch of New World Order Eurocrats taking it away by stealth. Eurocrats in short are deceptive power brokers selling each EU country to a select few who'll damage more than we could ever imagine

Daniel Hughes, London, England

Barroso and his cronies are portraying themselves as no better than Mugabe by refusing to acknowledge the results of a democratically held election despite their insistence beforehand they would do so. More referendums need to be held in EU on this Treaty otherwise we have a dictatorship.

Norma, Malaga, Spain

The rule was that ALL members must say yes. Now they'll come up with a alternative.. Its a total con job. The public needs to ask for a referendum..

Hamad Lone, London, England

Gordon Brown,
Please note this result and return Britain back to being a democracy. A free referendum vote on this issue is a must.
Your behaviour this week over the 42 issue is a disgrace
The British electorate demand it.
Which part of these comments don't you understand?

Doug Sloan, Edinburgh, Scotland

Anyone listening to Jim Murphy on Today this morning will surely have been astonished by the arrogance of the man, his disrespect for the voters of Europe, and his willful blindness to the need for popular consent. Outrageous - this level of contempt for ordinary citizens is intolerable.

Nick, Rotherham, UK

Stephen Holmes 'beggars belief' they have been ignoring the people of Europe for the past 40 years and have their snouts so deeply in the trough they will continue it forever.
I only hope and pray for the sake of my grandchildren it doesn't end in another war - it's going that way.

Ronald B., Malaga, Spain

To break the law is a crime.

To press on with the ratification of a treaty that has been declared dead by the law makes Brown, Merkel and Sarkozy criminals, no?

If you steal 5 quid, it's a crime.

If you steal 50 trill EU quid by a treaty that gives your clique all the power, it's a crime.

John , Hamburg, Germany

Bernt asks, "Do 500,000 Irish outrule [curious word] 350 millions?"
They certainly "outrule" c.8,000 MPs and MEPs, who are the only ones whose votes usually seem to count.
So, I agree - how about giving the other 350 million a go?

Barbara, Crewe, UK

Actually Bernd, more Irish people have voted on this treaty than in the whole of the rest of the EU as it stands more people have voted against the EU treaty than for it so on that basis the treaty falls.

Stephen, St. Ives, England

'Ken Lizotte, Bristol, Vermont, United States'

The people of the UK would have certainly voted against the treaty - if given a chance. The British Government promised a referendum before the last election and then broke that promise.
NuLabour don't do what's best for its people, only themselves .

Edwin, Helsingborg, Sweden

Eric from Harrogate and Bernd in Germany..this is a vote put to the people, so it needs to be respected..What would you say if the same vote was put to the German people and they rejected it.....oops sorry silly me...referendums are banned in Germany..democracy in action!

David, Dublin, Ireland

It is time for someone to go to the High Court or the European Court of Justice and sue Brown, Merkel and Sarkozy for breach of law.

The Lisbon Treaty says all 27 countries have to sign it for it to go into force. This isn't a "technicality" to be gotten around by Brown etc.

This is the law.

Ken Patterson, London, UK

This is another typical example of politicians ignoring the wishes of the people they represent. If Gordon Brown wanted to boost his popularity with the electorate, he would do the right thing and hold a referendum to be truly democratic. Another case of blinded elitist thinking.

Daniel Tor, Stratford-upon-Avon, England

So here's the skinny Gordon.

You are already toast come the General Election.

Go ahead and ratify the EU Constitution (don't split hairs, we all know what the Lisbon Treaty is) without a UK referendum and NuLab will be in the political willderness for generations.

Now LISTEN, Gordon.

R Bingham, Lauzun, France

The problem is that in their desire for ever closer union the EU elite are creating an ever growing and explosive reaction against any type of European project.

The harder they push against the Irish result, the more likely they are to create the situation where members start to break away.

Zen, London,

They had a choice between democracy or ratification. They have chosen to reject democracy and Europe will reap the whirlwind.

Chris Gillibrand, Brussels !!, Belgium

Ireland now has a very highly educated population thanks
"Vladimir". Which is why they voted No.

James, Dublin, UK

I'm pro EU but It's the people that must decide. Ask the people in every country and see who wants to integrate politically and who wants just to commerce freely. Then go on with Multi-Speed Europe and get out of this crisis. There are already too many problems going on. We cannot add others

Vincent, Turin, Italy, Europe

So we have the British, Dutch and French governments who promised a referendum failing to do so. Yet they now have bodged it so they sign up against the will of their electorate.

These arrogant leaders need to accept that we don't want this treaty and not fudge it

David Weston, Exeter,

Can anyone tell me what is going on. 27 governments desparate to give there counties away to the conmen in the so called EU. A organisation built on deceipt, trickery, lieing, stealth with a total absence of decency. To achieve the conspiracy they have had to abandon any pretence of democracy.

g.pickles, Leeds,

we voted no... not sure if thats a great idea. The fact that the treaty is unreadable because its written in legal jargon and the red herrings by SF and Libertas were in my opinion the reason for the result.

Shane O'Neill, Dublin, Ireland

What a novel idea!!! Ireland has exercised responsible democracy by giving her people the democratic right of a referendum on further European integration. May the autocratic house of cards that is the Europe Union come to nothing unless ALL Europe’s people get the same right.

Ian McIver, Golden Beach,

Brown is now more than simply unpopular he has set himself up as the enemy of the English and of democracy. How do you define treason?

John Bell, Nottingham,

There is something very sinister going on in the UK. What with Orwellian state surveillance, extended detention without charge, politicians treating the electorate with contempt by denying them their rights. Something evil comes but the is it heading for me or for you? Be afraid be very afraid.

Cromwell, Leeds, England

"In order to press ahead, the rest of the EU nations should offer referendums to demonstrate that most of the population support the move. However, most know, in their heart of hearts, that the referendum results will not fall in their favour. To push ahead is cowardice.tanya, london, "
exactly

Andy Iddon, London, UK

The reason the voters did not understand the L. T is that it is written so that it will not be understood, that is the trick! Hide things in the small print and get them to sign away their possessions. If they do not sign tell them they are stupid people who do not know what is good for them.

Julian Williams, Narberth, uk

What is the point of having a vote if you can';t vote no? The EU is a sham - incompetent, corrupt, useless, dishonest and not democratic. No wonder politicians like Gordon Brown love it. It is an institution designed solely for the benefit of politicians and not for the voters and taxpayers who pay.

Christopher H, Canberra, Australia

Now the Conservatives really must say that if they get into power they will hold a referendum on the treaty - it is now not a legal reality, and so cannot legally be 'ratified'.

Tom, Witney, UK

I think the double-speed of E.U. would be the best solution for everybody. There are countries in Europe that are determined to continue with the process of integration (historical members) and others that do not want actually to contribute to the evolution of European Union. That's all.

Alessandro, bruxelles, Belgium

oor Eric Campbell doesn't know what he's on about - Ireland is guarding democracy; she both benefits Europe &amp; benefits from Europe (as England did from us when once denying us our liberty). Our 12.5% corporate tax rate was our genius, not the EU's. Go read a history book &amp; be less bitter.

Andrew, Dublin, Ireland

The EU is really the reincarnation of the USSR - United Socialist Republic of Europe - with the politburo now resident in Brussels.

Willoicc, Belfast, N, Ireland

Typically Irish, they claim to be victimised by the EU, then act like criminals by trying to run off with all the money they were given without giving anything back to the EU.

John McAuley, Edinburgh, Scotland

Brown refused the British people a vote on the LisbonTreaty, but even now that the Treaty cannot be ratified by all 27 'states' he still refuses to stop the bill which is going through our parliment, he will pay for his treachery and arrogance in the general election.

Les, Southport, England

And politicians wonder why the turnout for voting is low? Perhaps taking no notice of the voters' decisions time after time, is one answer.
Ignoring the majority is a dangerous game - look what is happening in Zimbabwe.

N Reed, London, UK

Ireland have received 32bln euros from the Europe. Much more than all Mediterranean and recent countries together. Now they have voted no to Europe. Well, Europe should look a way to move without Ireland. For the new EU members it is good to have Ireland out. It represents more money and power.

Joao Alvaraco, Oeiras, Portugal

The unfortunate truth is that democracy doesn't work when you have poorly educated populace. When people do not know what they are voting for, when they are clueless about the complexities of something like the Lisbon Treaty, they easily fall pray to crooked populists.

Vladimir Garkov, Brussels,

Why allow a vote if the result is going to be ignored ? 1930's Europe springs to mind.

Duncan Harris, Manchester, England

As no one in the House of Lords has more than 2 brain cells, has Hattersley frequently said it is a waste of space, the bill should be thrown out. Another example of "Government by the Party, for the Party and Sod the people.

Eric Wilson , Thame., Oxon.

The advantages of an EU superstate are??? Nothing for the UK. If our security or food supply is threatened all we will get is a Gallic or Germanic shrug. Superstates are either totalitarian or very violent. The Left does not like Democracy. They find it inconvenient.

Timothy, Amersham, UK

To Frank. I'm a spaniard and I have many things in common with an irish,italian or whatever.That line of thoughts where "these" are my people and "those" are not , is 1 of the things the EU wants to erase, for the sake of mankind. Besides, EU states are too weak separated to defend their interests.

Victor, Salamanca, Spain

To Bernd, Frankfurt, Germany. '...do they ( the Irish) now outrule the vote of 350 millions?...'

Please Bernd, can you just remind us all when 350 Millions voted on this treaty. The only vote I can recall was held in France & Holland, both voted against. When did the Germany vote take place?.

pete, birmingham, uk

The EU was never meant to be about Democracy, other than to kill the concept. Europe and its peoples are conditioned to being run by Dictators. An un-elected, un-representative European Political Class is nothing other a new form of Dictatorship.

Ian Bryan, Reading, UK

when all 27 have ratified or not (Ireland + Czech republic???) those two states will have the choice to re-vote or confirm their NO votes and maybe be granted a special relationship to the New EU. That's what should have happened in 2005 already after the French/Ducth NO.

pascal-pierre, Brittany, France, European Union

Either the DICTATORSHIP of the EC ends here, or it truely begins.

David Diggins, Derby., England.

These arrogant politicions need to be reminded that they are the servantsof their people to do their peoples bidding. Therefore we should have the opportunity to tell them what to do. Not the other way round. Good for the Irish.

Jim, stockport, UK

"500.000 irish have said NO, do they now outrule the vote of 350 millions?"

No one has asked the 350 million if they want the treaty.

Only Ireland has had a referendum and even then because by their own constitution they have to have one.

The only ones asked have said NO!

A Williams, Stockton-on-Tees,

Some very emotive coments but bottom line is Ireland is the only country to have a referendem on this!

jim, stoke on trent, England

The "terrorist notes" allegedly mislaid on the train contained the words "FOR UK<US< CANADIAN AND AUSTRALIAN EYES ONLY".
Where is the European co-operation in this. And if we don't trust them with our Al-Quaeda intelligence, how can we trust them to dictate our laws and run our country

Richard Garland, Manchester,

To Bernd of Frankfurt
You seem to have a different definition of democracy to the rest of us. Or do you still hold to the 'democracy' of 1930s Germany, where a certain A. Hitler was elected as Chancellor. He went on to spread his special type of 'democracy' across the rest of Europe as well.

PR, Croydon, UK

This is all about power and building invincible political structures which the modern day politician can use to guarantee his future earnings. This will be another type of "Empire" and controlled by the political classes and their families and those with the right handshake or financial clout.

alan, warks, uk

The trouble is Bernd, the 350 millions you speak about did not vote because they have been denied that right.

By ignoring the democratic decision of the Irish people, the Eurotocracy have forgotten their "attachment to the principle of democracy" as set out in the preamble to the EU Treaty.

Niall Tierney, London, United Kingdom

Britains' people have not signalled that they want to press ahead with this, it's been decided by our dictator prime minister who hasn't been elected as prime minister. Also Harriet should note that scare tactics in to problem current day issues should not decide Britains fate for the future.

Richard, Bristol, UK

This is so scary. They don’t care what the people say. If they put it to the people they wouldn’t win anywhere and they know it. And yet they carry on regardless. What does that say about our leaders and our future? Our freedom is so precious and so fragile. We ought to defend it better.

Chris, Bristol,

I understood that 48% of voters were for the treaty and 52% against the Lisbon treaty. That is not an overwhelming rejection. We need the EU to protect our individual economic interests within the global economy. This poses the bigger threat. Look at the energy crisis!

Kim Domnick, Torquay, UK

Bernd of Frankfurt: do you not understand the term "vote"? Irish citizens were the ONLY ones on the Lisbon treaty. When it was presented as the constitution, the French and Dutch citizens also voted no. Most of the 350 million people you refer to have not been allowed to vote on this.

Nick, Rotherham, UK

Was there talk of France being kicked out of Europe when its citizens voted 'no' to the EU Constitution? Of course not. But look at the implied threats towards Ireland. There's your two-tier Europe right there. France = big = lets go back to the drawing board. Ireland = small = how dare you.

Shay, Dubai, UAE

I agree... Multi-Speed Europe is the best way... As long as Germany, France, Italy and Spain (the core of the Eurozone) are in it for me it's ok. Britain has never really been in the EU. It didn't adopt the euro, it didn't enter shengen and has several opt-outs. I'm not criticizing.

Horace, Florence, Italy

If the unelected commission decides to ignore the democratic wishes of the Irish people, then the Irish people should take their case to the European Court of Human Rights.
This is a battle for democracy against failed and sometimes corrupt politicians.

Russ, Comanche, USA

500.000 irish have said NO, do they now outrule the vote of 350 millions? Bernd, Frankfurt, Germany

What and a few unelected fascist dictators on a gravy train in Brussles EUSSR do?

Sorry to tell you this, but while you and a few corrupt polititians may like fascism, no one else does.

james, windsor castle,

So Jim Murphy wants no more "Jaw-jaw" on the stone dead Lisbon Treaty ?
Ok Jim...
You had better send out your C.V.

JonO, Worcester, England.

Europe is heading for a revolution if the so called "democratic leaders" to not take notice of the wishes of the people.

roger fry, madrid, spain

Well said, Paul Owen of Birmingham

Alan, Swindon, UK

Once again the Irish shown their colours. Having bled countless billions out of Europe - every employed,unemployed or still breathing Irish citizen got a new bungalow by pretending they would do Bed and Breakfast - they now kick their benefactors in the teeth. As of course they did to England.

eric campbell, harrogate, uk

Eurocrats don't care about what the people think! They just want to keep their paper filing jobs so they press forward and press forward.

C Smith, Guildford, UK

Honestly the only way out of the European Union is through revolution. Democracy is dead in the EU.

Brandon Rivera, Los Angeles, USA

The only appropriate action would be if the European nations wrote a constitution modeled after that of the U.S. The one proposed is far from that.

The current situation is nothing but the usual attempt to force socialism on semi-free citizens, which is tantamount to national suicide, 26 times over

Jeff Perren, Sandpoint, US

Why would the Irish want a true European integration? If the rest of the Europe was allowed a vote you'd find the vast majority would say no. I'm an Irish man and I have nothing in common with a Frenchman, a German, a Spaniard or what have you. What benefit is for my country to be ruled by them??

Frank, Athlone, Ireland

With the politicians framing the result as an abberation, as 1 country against 26, let's not forget that 100% of the countries that have voted have rejected the treaty. To suggest that this is undemocratic as it overrules 350 million people is misguided. Lets see how the other 350m vote first.

Thomas Ogilvie, Edinburgh, UK

Let the people decide!!! Democracy is only ever given lipservice. I want a referendum on the whole to the EU including making those corrupt politicians cupable.
Labour have given our hard earned agreement away for free and we now owe 2.9 Billion pound because the mess our economy is in.

steve tea, manchester, cheshire

I think this says it all: "Legally the treaty requires the ratification of all 27 member states to come into force - but Britain has joined France and Germany in signalling that it will look for a way around that technicality." Democracy is a technicality to your government.

Inna, Sacramento, USA

It is amazing all these negative thoughts on Europe. 500.000 irish have said NO, do they now outrule the vote of 350 millions? I clearly vote for a Europe of 2 speeds ! Those who do not want that integrated Europe should continue their way in thsi globalized world as in the last 200 years.

Bernd, Frankfurt, Germany

Lisbon Treaty would be a step forward toward a true european integration, I can't guess why the irish say no....
I really hope that they will find this "way forward" which they speak about...

Luca, Milano, Italy

Face it folks, you live in a police state.

Tim, Toronto,

Thanks to the Irish!!!
If Germans would have the right to vote, a majority would be against the treaty - not because we are against Europe, but against a text, almost nobody is able to read (479 pages). We don't want more military action in the world, but more true democracy in Europe!
Sincerely

Dr. Sabine Schiffer, Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany

Earlier this week Gordon Brown claimed the moral high ground in the 42 day issue because a poll said that the majority of British people wanted stronger powers against terrorism.Every poll in the UK suggests the people are against the Lisbon treaty.But, regardless,he wants to ratify it.Twisted!

Adrian Murray, Sydney, Australia

Unbelievable!
It took the Irish to prevent this disaster. They know a sweeping power grab when they see one!

And now they want to push ahead with it anyways! This is very scary

Etch, Cairo, Egypt

Of course this vote mattered. It can only be brought into effect if all 27 agree. Ireland has voted 'No' end of story. We have gone from being a poster child of EU success to a thorn in its side, at least we have forced the EU to show its true self. Democracy is dead in Europe.

Alan, Galway, Ireland

In order to press ahead, the rest of the EU nations should offer referendums to demonstrate that most of the population support the move. However, most know, in their heart of hearts, that the referendum results will not fall in their favour. To push ahead is cowardice.

tanya, london,

Combating climate-change is explicitly stated as an objective of EU institutions in the Treaty of Lisbon - it was not in the EU Constitution version. What a pity we don't have a DIRECTLY elected president with veto powers over these law makers.

Steve Bush, Cirencester, UK

I can't believe that people in the UK would finally allow Europe to do what the Nazis couldn't. Does only Ireland have a backbone?? Since when does England have anything really in common with a bunch of nations that have a history of trying to destroy it?

Ken Lizotte, Bristol, Vermont, United States

I wonder what part of the word NO the bloated Eurocrats have difficulty in understanding and how many times does it have to be said before it sinks in?

Keith, Grantham, England

What was the point in a so-called democratic vote if the head honchos are planning their way around a No result?

Claire, Dublin,

What a way to increase the democratic deficit by claiming that there is a technicality through which the countries that oppose the voice of the European citizens can implement this awful treaty! I wonder how many other countries would reject the treaty if it were put to a referendum?

Jeffrey Stryker, Stockholm,

For EU read Everything Underhand. The Brussels Dictstorship goes on. We the public have no vote, no say in our own affairs. Stalin would be proud of Brussels. Democracy is dead and Gordon Brown is a disgrace to the people of this country who fought two wars to stay free and decide their own affairs.

Kevin Hoyes, Ferrara, Italy

So just suppose that the EU council agrees modifications to the treaty to please the Irish. Does the modified treaty then need to be ratified by all 27. Or would this be a technicality?

stephen bull, fontes, france

I'm utterly aghast at the notion of "pressing ahead" and finding a way around the "technicality" of essentially the thrid referendum rejection of Lisbon-Constitution.

The notion that an appointed European elite can abrogate democratic results in prepetuity is frightening and disconcerting

Bryan, Dublin, Ireland

Every MP and EMP worth their salt, should do a David Davis and resign over the issue causing by-elections to be held on a specific issue not on party manefestos that will be ignored.

Silly Me, I actually voted because I wanted a referendum on Europe.

Mick Reilly, Doncaster,

Appalling on every level.

Mark, Liverpool,

The Lisbon Treaty is the European Constitution of 2005 dressed up in a new outfit. It was rejected by voters in France and Holland. The fact that the Brussels elite keep pushing this on unwilling populations speaks volumes about democracy Euro-style.

Tony, Chicago, USA

So basicly the vote dosnt matter they are just going to do it anyway

Edward smith, Birkenhead, UK

Democracy has died, we live under a dictatorship. This treaty should be dead. The politicians want it, more jobs for the boys, and a lot more vague expenses... We need to come out of the EEC before Britain loses any more of it's fundamental rights and identity.

Chris, Birmingham,

When government officials waffle on about how they will continue to ratify a treaty that was voted out by free thinking people it just confirms why we Irish voted against this sinister, anti-democratic peace of legislation.

John , Galway, Rep. of Ireland

Did you notice most of the negative reaction to the Irish no vote is coming from various EU governments and their sycophant lackeys, not from the European people themselves who were never given a chance to vote on this issue.

John , Galway, Rep. of Ireland

Gordon Brown did not hold a referendum because he knew he would lose by a large margin. The EU rules are that EVERY country must ratify or the treaty is dead. But they are all pushing ahead anyway! Political egotists, totally out of touch wit the people! It's time to throw the rascals out!

Rece Porter, Orlando , USA

New Labour: Tough on Democracy; Tough on the causes of Democracy.

Why don't they reform Brussels and write a constitution with Democracy at it's centre? One that ordinary people would understand and vote for.

John Goode, Welwyn Garden City, UK

A technicality, then. Just like waterboarding and Guantanemo are technicalities. Which the US Supreme Court has just struck down.
Where is the independent European Supreme Court?
MP's & MEP's know the price of everything and the value of nothing. Revolution, and guillotine, now?

Tom Benford, Kyoto, Japan

Legally the treaty requires ratification of all 27 member states but Britain has signalled that it will look for a way around this technicality. Technicality? It's the law! Perhaps here we see why EU treaties keep going down like nine pins. For "technicality," read "obtuse."

James Geoffrey, Falls Church, Virginia, USA

Any Chance on having a vote on anything Mr Brown. We are meant to live in a democracy.

I know you were unelected but it might just give the British people a little hope that we dont live in a Dictatorship and do live in the free world.

Paul, Farnborough, UK

When it becomes a mere 'technicality' that all the member states have to ratify a treaty before it comes into force then you know democracy is in big trouble. Maybe Europe Minister Jim Murphy should be asking why bother to have the 'technicality' of a General Election' in two years.

John, Manchester, UK

"when the other 26 EU member nations passed the treaty into law later this year" ???
Somebody forgot several other nations also voted NO already? The Dutch for example? It is not just the Irish.

Sitz Dikstr, Sneek, Netherlands

So, Brown, Merkel and Sarkosy think that a legal requirement is just a "technicality" to be got around!

There, in a nutshell, is why Ireland voted NO! and why the majority of the citizens of Europe would do ditto if given the chance.

Bill, Suzhou, China

I'm a bit confused here, in one statement I read that the treaty cannot become law as all 27 members have not voted yes, (although only three had a real option in the first place).
Now I read that the treaty will become law irrespective of the Irish vote. So, are we in a democracy or dictatorship

Mike Jones, Farnborough, Hampshire

There is a majority against this across Europe. We should fight for at least a referendum on this if not an election. We needto show that we are fed up having our freedoms eroded. In one week this government has twice shown a disregard for people's rights. Democracy what democracy! Polls mean zilch!

bill, cornwall,

In this context what does 'ratify' mean? Every country is free to make up its own mind on the treaty so long as the answer is Yes? Jim Murphy is saying the Irish government had better get its people under control. What breathtaking arrogance!

David, Oxford,

Legally the treaty requires ratification of all member states, yet Britain joined Barroso, France & Germany in saying it will look for a way around that technicality. This isnt a technicality its a barrier to stop politicians walking all over people. Irelands vote must stand & no re-run considered

Lynda Plum, London, england

I cannot believe the arrogance of the man. By their own law it MUST be ratified by all nations. Now that this won't happen they decide just to ignore this law. It clearly demonstrates their attitude to the law and democracy. If the results aren't what we want just ignore them.

John, Reading, uk

This just beggars belief.
The politicians are showing utter contempt for the people.
They are determined that we should be governed by Brussels making our Government irrelevant.
I hope the EU Treaty is torn up

Stephen Holmes, Withington , UK

""Britain has joined France and Germany in signalling that it will look for a way around that technicality""
Why let the small matter of the law get in the way of steamrollering in the unelected socialist bureuacratic superstate. No promised referendum, ignoring the Irish vote - what next?

Richard Garland, Manchester,

Did anyone seriously think the EU and its quisling stooges were ever going to respect anything so popular as democracy? Get real, guys! These people are dictators. What Hitler failed to achieve with violence in 1945, these clowns will finish with paper and ink in 2008.

Mark Sparrow, Bath, England

Parliament has NO legal constitutional right to submit the mselves to the directives of Europe.Their lawfull constittuional right to govern the country is as they are sumbitted the crown in whom the power resides,.

G Blezard, London, uk

Disgusting. Why does the UK not get a referendum when other European countries do?

Bo, London,

What happened to the Britsh referendum?

FMD, Chipping Norton, England

That sums it up nicely. 26 governments have ratified this treaty, not countries just governments, whilst ignoring the wishes of their citizens. They have deliberately avoided putting this to the vote and ignore such votes when they are unavoidable. It's behaviour worthy of Robert Mugabe.

Paul Owen, Birmingham, Uk

Strange how a vote for a common market has changed into a dictatorship EU were only one country had a say on a major issue and even then they ignore the result. The public should start asking themselves what these pro EU people really have in mind because I'd have more say in Russia or China than..

John, Salford, England