A lot of negativity to the EU here. Does this mean it's back to all those little "sovereign countries" each with some unheard of currency and border guards with "Passport Control" stoppiing you seemingly every few kilometres? Time to leave the tribal mentality behind and join the world.

Jay, Vancouver, Canada

Hello I am Irish but also very proud to be European, I voted NO and I think I made the right vote for European DEMOCRACY. I grew up with a wonderful Grandfather who fought for my rights to be sn Irish cittizen and a even better European. Where was the info? Too many conflicts to vote YES!

Lena, Cork/Kerry, Ireland

Good for the Irish, they seem to have a working democracy, unlike the British.

lorna , Northallerton, N Yoekshire

guys we are anyway ruled by EU so for a change let's make it democratic so that we can show them red card?

Paul, Paisley,

Hello, I´m Portuguese and everyone in Portugal is against this treaty. I think UK lost the sense of democracy and is ruled by Capitalism that don´t care about EU Citizens. Something is Wrong in this UE , and is time for citizens say no and take care of those bruxels politicians. Where´s Democracy?

Pedro, Lisbon,

the point is being missed by a lot of the readers of this article.It is now pointless for us to have a refurrendum on the issue, as all 27 member states need to vote yes for it to go through. Yes it is awful that our government have yet again reneged on a promise,but it is irrelevant.

Max , Truro, United Kingdom

Where´s democracy on this European Union , if people don´t have a word to say about laws?

Pedro, Lisbon, Portugal

400 Babies!!

John Harris Herrmann, Dutch Harbour, AK, US of A

Tony Blair promised a referendum. Gordon Brown ratifies and no referendum! WHERE IS DEMOCRACY GOING! IF THERE IS NOTHING TO HIDE THEN LET THE PEOPLE HAVE THEIR SAY.
SHAME ON OUR DELUDED POLITICIANS WHO CANNOT SEE PAST THEIR NEXT SALARY AND EXPENSES.
EUROPE WILL REVOLT EVENTUALLY!

J OHN SHERIDAN, enniskillen,

The major problem for me is that we sit in judgment of regimes like Mugabe, Bush, that chap in Burma and Berosconi, rightly, as examples corrupt, unelected government, yet we, the British, are at the same time governed by a system and by policitians whom we have neither voted for nor even heard of.

Cameron, London,

Please give the British people a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty, if there is nothing to hide let us have our vote,

Ronald Hopes, Gwent, Wales

the British Government must be the weakest in the World
they need to listen to the people who are far more in touch with reality,

Ronald Hopes, Gwent, Wales

Do "Governments" work for their people, or do people work for their Governments? One is an expression of freedom, the other is slavery. The price of freedom is not a one-time purchase. At the heart, the Irish know this. Stand firm Ireland. Stay the course of freedom!

Walter V. Gilles, Nipomo, USA

Its amazing really.........I have yet to see, any pro EU comment which supports simple democracy....

It appears, amongst those who want the EU....that the views of the electorate are irrelevant.

It about says it all.

I have seen the comment "EUSSR" . How true it is.

N Wilson, Bourne, England

Apparently, the eurocrats are concerned that they are unpopular with the peoples of Europe. Perhaps they should hold a big rally somewhere central in Europe to improve their image? Somewhere like,er, Nuremberg? Didn't the last project to try and unify Europe have a bit of a shindig there?

Meldrum, London,

First, the Netherlands and France say no to the European Constition. Denmark would have as well but they pulled the referendum. After "rewording" the Lisbon treaty is now passed/going to be passed by their governments. Ireland will follow suit.

Phil, Virginia, US

Well done the Irish - doing what a lot of Europeans would do if they could.

England, of course, suffers doubly - not allowed say re Euro union & no say re British union.

Jim, Burnley, England

Why should Ireland leave the EU? Is it because the NO vote won. I have a question: Who in the entire EU, except the politicos, has read in entirety the proposed constitution and understood all of it? The Irish voted no because it is not clear what the constitution was for / what it gave etc.

Jonathan Doherty, London, UK

The people of Europe need to wake up and demand the abolition of the anti-democratic, corrupt, incompetent, economic failure that is EU. At least the people are Ireland have some brains!

A.M., Queensland, Australia

Florent, you clearly dont understand the meaning of democracy if you wish to force a set of changes on an unwilling electorate.
Reinforcing the powers of EU parliament does not 'equal' democracy, it equals autocracy.
f you truly understood or believed in democracy you would accept the irish vote!

PP, UK,

Like any wannabe authoritative government they use money to increase dependency, whilst at the same time cutting self determination, this has been the case throughout history. How many have the self resolve to resist a fistful of cash?

Josh, Manchester, England

I think that when Ireland used their democratic vote and said NO then Europe should be democratic enough to accept it....the problem is "How democratic is Europe?"

James Bosco, Valencia, España

Those comparing the No vote to the Lisbon treaty as a "victory of democracy" against a "EU bureaucracy" didn't understand anything! One of the main objectives of the treaty was to put more democracy into the EU decision making process by for example reinforcing the powers of the European parliament!

Florent, London, UK

How can we criticize Mugabe for hinting that he wont relinquish power win or lose next weeks election but the E.U. expect to progress with this debacle and think it is OK?

The World has gone mad!

ChasNDave, Cumbria, UK

soon we'll all see the true ugly face of the European "Union".

Alex, Kenilworth,

So, did Ireland 'vote wrongly', as they say in Harare?

Peter, Swansea, UK

I'm irish, I voted No, Why ? democracy. every person in europe should have a say in how europe evolves.believe me I wanted to vote yes, we will see how demrocratic europe is with there decision. Remember the Irish for sacrificing their wealth for your freedom. euros "see out from behind your eyes"

Edward, Dublin, Ireland

What would be gained by throwing Ireland out of the EU for exercising democracy? Other countries should be asking themselves why is it that they do not have the basic right of a vote in these affairs.
Should the Netherlands and France have been expelled in 2005 when they rejected the constitution?

pete, Dublin, Ireland

Well done the Irish! Let this be the thin end of a wedge driven into the heart of the european dictatorship. Let the peoples of europe unite in protecting thier seperate national sovereignty. We come together in our hatred of the EU.

mike , Worcester,

forget scaremongering. the author of this constitution/treaty himself said hardly anything had been changed since france and holland voted no. and they'll tinker again to ignore the irish. the lack of democratic accountability of the eu should scare everyone. it's invasion by stealth.

jem, london, uk

I can't believe the number of dutch comments saying throw ireland out of the eu. if the eu took that attitude to anyone who didn't back the unelected self-serving elite, then ireland would be booted out to join.... er.... holland and france in the abyss.

jem, london, uk

hey all go on without us thats fine, in 20 years when you've signed your way into more EU bullish ireland will be the only soverign nation in europe. do what ye want cos id rather be poor, free and irish than be part of a european superstate where you lose your identity and have no demcoracy.

james, roscommon, ireland

Wanting Ireland to refund its EU money is ridiculous. Ireland is still the prime example of what the Union stands for: Peace and prosperity.

Chris, Germany,

Right on Jem from London! Love your comments! Couldn't have put it better myself!

Anna, Kendal , uk

Max Herzog, Germany. Dont know what makes you say that Ireland should refund EU money. Dont know the current figures but 4 years ago Germany was the highest net contributor to the EU. Ireland was 2nd. Yes, we recieved a lot, but lost a lot too - our fishing grounds were valuable for example.

Noel, Ireland,

Garley, London: thanks for your support. Please note, however, that the term "British Isles" has no actual formal standing or official recognition, either in Ireland or internationally - we said "No" to that one too!

Oisin, Wexford, Ireland

It seems that many of those castigating Ireland are claiming that strings were always attached to the funds Ireland received. Was that made clear at the time? Did anyone ever say to Ireland we want your democratic freedoms in return for this cash? No they didn't. I don't understand the Europhiles.

MarkS, Bath, England

Hundreds of thousands of pounds (a ridiculous amount) of our (Britain’s) GDP is spent on pointless pro-EU groups, who lobby for integration into the EU state and the destruction of this sovereign nation. Norway and Sweden (not part of EU fiasco) are two of the most prosperous countries in the world!

Josh, Manchester, England

Hello Willem,

Does that mean that The Netherlands (together with France) should be thrown out of EU as well, since citizens of these countries rejectet so called "EU constitution"?
Some consistency please.

regards

Zbig, Sutton, UK

Willem van Lith, Nijmegen, Netherlands - Will that include the Dutch and French then?

Garley, London, UK

Eoin, Dublin, Ireland - While we're being pedantic Eoin, Ireland is one of the British Isles, it only depends on which island you think is the mainland! But that's a debate to be had over a pint or six and has little hope of being resolved amicably!

Garley, London, UK

i think this EU thing is crap! it has totally messed everything up and worse of all the value is worthless. look att he state of Cyprus since they joined?

Kiran, London,

I'm glad there are a few sensible comments from germany, because most of your countrymen seem intent using obfuscatory bureaucracy to do the job the panzers couldn't. the no vote was our maginot line and they're planning to walk right round it. you be the heart of europe; we'll be the conscience.

jem, london, uk

What people need to ask when they say Ireland should give back the EU subsidies they have received is where did the ECB get it's money from? Ah yes the euro is a fiat currency and is created out of thin air with the sole purpose of control through inflation . Thank you Ireland. Say no to NWO!

Chris, London,

Timbo in Manchester, sorry to be pedantic, but since when is there a mainland with regards to Ireland?

Eoin, Dublin, Ireland

When people make a choice they should also face the consequences. The most logical result is to throw Ireland out of the EU. Especially as they do not seem to appreciate the contribution membership of the EU has brought. This will probably be a good lesson for the people of other member states too.

Willem van Lith, Nijmegen, Netherlands

I agree with Jonathan Doherty, all of the EU should have a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty. It would be good to see David Davis stress this in his campaign against the erosion of civil liberties in Britain but he won't in case it opens up old wounds in the Tory party, so perhaps not so principled ?

Barry Lomax, Chorley, U.K.

Yeah for the Irish people. You haven't fought all these years for your independence to be subservient to a bunch of unelected elites and bureaucrats.

Jessica, Oakland, USA

France, Holland & ireland have all rejected similar treaties, isnt it time to listen?

The reaction of the EU to this makes me fearful of the vision the politicians have for Europe & for European democracy.
EU politicians are angry because they wont get more power without having to ask the people

Fergus, Dublin, Ireland

Perhaps the Lisbon treaty would have made the EU more democratic and transparent and more efficient. But it would have reduced national souvereinity since now only majority counts. I don't want European laws decided by others neutralizing our constitution.

Holger, Munich, Germany

Further to all the comments below, there is a large degree of congratulation and a far smaller degree of castigation for the Irish No Vote. My statement is simply this. What the Irish think is good for them, may / may not be good for everyone thats why there should be a referendum in all of the EU

Jonathan Doherty, London, United Kingdom

I'm an American, and I have no real opinion about the EU one way or the other, but I do think it's unbelievable that only one of the 27 EU countries was offered the chance to ratify this treaty. I don't understand how the EU can consider itself workable if it does not trust its own people.

James, Bloomfield, Michigan, USA

Thank the Irish ,yes. NO to a undemocratic democracy. Europe is working ,will always work. If (and thats a small if) we are told to vote the "right way" again I for sure will vote as last time .......NO

Andrew, Dublin, Ireland

Chris in Germany 'Significant is the fact, that the higher educated irish middle class voted in favor of it' - Sorry, I'm well educated, middle class and I voted no - please don't fall back on the old stereotype of the 'uneducated, poor, provincial Irish'... it smacks of bitterness and is insulting.

Sarah , Drogheda, Ireland

Thank you, brave people of Irland!

Beeker, k-town, germany

Very smart people in Ireland!
Thank you.

Miha, Ljubljana, Slovenia

God Bless Ireland!! The EU consitution represents a an affront to European democracy.

Rather than mumbling over the need 'to talk to the Irish' (why?) or ratifying the treaty, David Milliband should consider talking to us on this flawed treaty and asking for our views.

Darren Pipe, Greenhithe, Kent, U.K

... And not only is the treaty bad for democracy- as well as being suffocatingly bureaucratic- it also gives a mandate for businesses and services throughout the EU to be monopolized, restraining working conditions and prosperity in participating member states in the process.

Darren Pipe, Greenhithe, Kent, U.K

If the Irish don't want to be in the EU, no problem!
Give up your membership! Just resign from all the money you received, lock yourself up on your island and forget about the rest of Europe or the world.
Exit Celtic Tigre.

Max Herzog, Munich, Germany

Why are people talking about leaving the EU? Doing so would be suicide as any country which leaves would face a massive recession. We should remember that the current wealth we enjoy is due to our membership of the EU.

Besides ,why are the Americans so happy? This does not concern them.

Sandeep, Leicester, UK

Thank You Ireland for saving Europe!

Tomasz Gapiński, Inoworclaw, Poland

Another example of the Irish trying to save civilazation God Bless

Anne, Plymouth, USA

Why do politicians think people are stupid, we have democracies for a reason, but naybe they are trying to get us to happily vote democracy away, we can be the new Iran!

james, southampton,

Proud to be Irish !

Andrea Frances, Brittany, France

Marco
We don't want the bureaucratic totalitarian superstate you seem to want. We are quite keen on parliamentary Democracy. Europe has proved its uselessness by not backing up our troops in a UN mission in Afghanistan. Its all take take take with Europe isn't it.

Hartley, Chelmsford, UK

As an Irish man that voted. I'm a little dismayed at some of the Irish bashing I've read here. The Irish people had an opportunity to vote and the democratic majority voted No. The rest of Europe did not vote, so please stop bashing the Irish at least we had the opportunity to vote.
I voted yes.

Liam, Dublin, Ireland

I love the Irish people. Finally someone who has the guts to say no!

Steven, Stockholm, Sweden

First of aIl I just want to say that I am so very proud to be IRISH today ,although I live outside in Europe .I love you all, even those who voted FOR something so very BAD. Perhaps they could now begin to educate themselves on what democracy means ,
The Irish. Freedom loving ,creative.

mary kavanagh, riberac, France

Interesting to see that the majority of the posts rejoice at the Irish "NO" while the minority wish Ireland ill for daring to say "NO"

What will it take to stop this 3rd Reich Phase II?

I'm denied my chance to vote on it but I too say NO NO NO to this EU Monster!
Well done Eire.

Peter Hall-Owen, Warrington, UK

Well done Ireland. Come on Milliband, lets have our say

Dobson, Otterton Devon,

I dont get all you people saying Ireland should be kicked out of the EU. Ye obviously dont understand the whole concept of having a referendum. Its either yes or no. We voted no, including myself, and people should respect that. France and Holland said no before and nobody's calling for their heads.

Sarah, Cork, Ireland

I think the EC is going to have to consider getting rid of this pesky democracy stuff. People are so ungrateful, aren't they? Fancy wanting to retain national sovereignty and thwart an undemocratic bosses' super-state!

Well, done the Irish!

Mike Murray, Bath,

Brilliant - well done Ireland -
In the U.K. we are denied our rights to vote 'for' or 'against' as promised by the present government who know they are going against the will of the people.

Janson, Cheltenham, England

At least the Irish had a chance to vote.The rest of the EU countries were too scared, because they know it would result in a resounding NO.
This unelected monster is nothing short of a massive experiment in social engineering and must be stopped.
Britain faces an immigration catastrophe.

james, London, UK

At least they had the chance to vote.

David Kinsley, Derby, UK

Great news for all freedom lovers. When do we get a say?

Philip C, Wallingford, Oxon

I am sad, frustrated by my Irish mates' vote. You Irishmen and Irishwomen who voted No had done something wrong. I hope you will pay the worst consecuences of your choice.

Marco V., Milan, Italy

Thank God for the Irish. But this is only a temporary reprieve. The Eurocrats will either rewrite the "treaty" again, or no country will be allowed a referendum next time around, or the unanimous consent clause will be dropped. Our Commissars have decided there will be a European Constitution.

R M, London, UK

God bless the Irish!
Democracy is not yet entirely dead in Europe.
What a disgrace to democracy that other sovereign countries were denied a vote on major transfers of power to unelected and wrong-headed European bureaucrats.
When do we get a chance for the vote which was promised?

Alan, Bucks, Milton Keynes, Bucks

I am sad for the Irish vote. I think you had took the wrong decision. Now be ready to start working againg to find a solution.

Marco V., Milan, Italy

The next step is obvious: have a referendum to exit the EU. No, wait, you WONT do that, it would be REAL dangerous, isn't it?. Irish people, you have been playing an internal battle, being irresponsible with the rest of the European people. Shame on you.

Josu, san sebastian, Spain

I voted No to Lisbon as I was not given a rational reason to vote Yes.Our goverment said it would make things better but did not explain how and for who. I enjoy the benfits of the EU & hope they continue. Let's be positive. Ireland will continue to be part of the EU if we are let. No is not the end

Dermot, Sligo, Ireland

WELL DONE THE IRISH
I am a supporter of EUROPE but not the kind of Europe the eurocrats wanted to foist on us. The Irish Prime minister should not be in fear of his job, this should enhance it. Now he knows exactly what the Irish want. The people of Ireland have spoken up. Wish I could have.

Howard, London, UK

Thank you, IRELAND! We must stop this monster !

clare, ancona, Italy

This is excellent news having been denied the rerferendum we were promised. The people of Europe don't want this treaty forced upon them only those in Government.

Give the people of the UK a referendum on Libson and Labour will get the same slap in the face as the Irish Government

richard garioch, Aberdeen`, Scotland

The yes camp seems to have borrowed much of their rhetoric from American Democrats. When things don't go your way, call your opponents stupid and arrogant.

Patrick, South Yarmouth, MA, US

Take the money for years and years to subsidise and grow your economy and then say No ! I like it

matt, Stoke, UK

Thank you Ireland – unfortunately you will have to vote again and again until you get it right.

You mustn’t forget however, the EU is not a democracy.

Ian B, Reading,

God/Allah/Buddha/Guru Nanak Bless the Irish (of all faiths!).

You will probably be asked to vote again until you 'get it right' but well done for standing up for democracy.

You threw off the shackles of one recent empire, well done for fighting off this one! The Guinesses are on me!

Garley, London, UK

I invite the Irish to get out of the European Union since it doesn' t represent anything else to them than a source of subsidies paid by other countries.

Emmanuel Mahieux

Emmanuel Mahieux, Rome, Italy

Time for the EU to split...what was unthinkable is going to happen. Why pay for states so overtly against the EU? We should leave those to their fate and move ahead...
Nor sure the winners are those who cast a NO vote...There is much to lose, little to gain.

pascal-pierre, Brittany, EU (France)

I'm afraid Eurosceptics in the UK will gain heart from this result, a result speaking more for bungling PR than for failed policy. You fools. But hooray for the UK! Who NEEDS Europe!? You have America to envy, look up to, salivate over, pine for AND receive orders from! Cheer on!

Rene C. Moya, Los Angeles, USA

It is not 3 million deciding the fate of 500 million - it is 3 million deciding and not the 30 thousand politicians who have decided not let a democratic decision be made.

If the EU demonstrated that it wanted to represent its members then it would want a public vote in each country.

SM, Brentwood, Essex

Way to go Ireland, Thank you for saving us (hopefuly) from our own Democraticly challenged leaders. Maybe now they will stop acting like Deer caught in the Headlights and toughen their stance when dealing with Brussells. Thank You !!!

Rick , Gaas, Austria

A bad day for Ireland and Europe. Just how do the people of Ireland think that their economy was boosted ? Hopefully a way will be found to work around this setback, but I fear that Ireland's European credentials are very sorely damaged.

Santer, Gloucester, England

Brilliant, brilliant. A wonderful day - thanks to the Irish

Sean, Coventry, UK

The poor voted against. Implication...rich people are more intelligent? Hmmm.There is a clear parallel here with Zimbabwe. An elite ignoring a vote, changing the rules and resorting to threats and bribery to achieve their end. The EU needs a human face and to rejoice in its peoples diversity.

Alain de B, Naxxar, Malta

I'm Irish and I voted No. It has nothing to do with showing our gratitude to the institutional EU or to EU governments but rather a show of support for the vast vast majority of EU citizens who have no say in this thing. In a rare moment of sense, we've sent this back and given you all a 2nd chance

Anthony , Ireland,

Thank you brave Irish people! I have a great respect for you. I personally didn't have any possibility of expressing my real opinion. Deputees have decided for me. And I would say "no" .

Roman, Warsaw, Poland

Matej from Slovakia & Kamila from Poland:

It appears that you have also forgotten what your countries were like before receiving EU funding.

History doomed to endlessly repeat itself through the absence of education.

Balazs, London, UK

Thank you, Ireland. We'll still get this thing shoved down our throats, of course, still: thank you so much.

Now, why did no-one else get to vote?

Thomas Gyssens, Antwerp, Belgium

A big thank you to the Irish.

I wonder what the Eu will call it next time?

Rob, Guildford, England

Well you have to admit that this is one Gordon Brown got right - if this had been put to the electorate in the UK we would have done the same as the Irish - far better not to risk it .
Of course what that says about his integrity after promising a referendum - different matter ..

Tony, Cardiff,

KS of Fife....

I can tell you right now what the European Commission elite are doing.

They are changing to rules so that they can ignore Ireland and go ahead with the Treaty anyway.

They will also force revotes until the Irish come up with the "correct" answer.

Seen it all before.

Chris, Wokingham, England

The EU will not take no for an answer so wait for the same treaty with a (small amendment) to re named again and the Irish parliament to push it through anyway!!!

james, london,

Will England be permitted a choice?

Or will our bought-and-paid-for politicians continue to thwart the people of the nation and deliver England into servitude at the ends of the EU bureacracy.

EU.
REFERENDUM.
NOW.

Lori, Brighton, UK

People don't like to be told how they should vote. The British media from the BBC on down are so convinced among themselves about anything European that they no longer even bother to debate it. I guess the Irish are normal in that they don't like anything shoved down their throat either.

Somak, Bangkok, Thailand

Well done Ireland. When will the politicians understand that the undemocratic EU superstate that is being foisted on the people is not the kind of European co-operation that the voters of individual nations desire. We must not proceed without a referendum, step forward politicians of principle.

Kevin, Leeds,

Well, it seems the EU is going to face a new institutional crisis. At this point I really don't what can happen. The only thing I know is that is not good having these kind of crisis inside Europe, at a moment of global uncertainty. Something must be done, in whatever direction.

Horace, Florence, Italy

Saved by the Irish! - Thankyou Ireland - hang your heads in shame NuLabour.

edward green, Upminster,

The EU will not take no for an answer forget about democracy. Wait for the same treaty to re-named yet again and the Irish parliament to push it through anyway!!!

james, london,

Well done Ireland - once again you stand up to the bully. God bless you.

David Walker, Brighton, England

Kamila, it's strange that you talk about "central european marxists" when you live in a country which is still struggling with a real marxist heritage and that, given a number of seats in the Parliament closely equal to Germany, is nowadays still complaining.

Simon, Brescia, Italy

Given how much the Irish have benefited from the EU (and still do as net beneficiaries) this is an absolute disgrace. They should not be allowed to stop those countries that contribute substantially to the EU from embracing the more efficient decision-making process that the treaty would bring,

Kerstin, London,

Well done the irish they have spoken for the people who never had the chance to vote for this so called new constitution or yet more rule from people who are not answerable to the people of the european union.

robert layton, haverfordwest, wales

Well done Ireland, Bless you!

Let's see what rubbish they arrive with now in Brussels to worm their way out of this. Now dictators of Europe, please take a hint, when you're all sacked and elected people are running our governments, then and only thn might you have progress. Listen to people!

Richard Irwin, Bristol, UK

What will it be called next time they try to impose it on us? Sooner or later Democracy, even in Ireland, will be circumvented.

Barry Tozer, Poole, UK

LABOUR GOVERNMENT Give us a Referendum as you promised! Then you wiill see a NO vote

CRH, Durham, UK

Thank you Ireland. Thank you for saving us from the autocratic medieval aristocracy called the EU. But be warned the fight is not yet over. They will try to retrieve control by asking for another referendum.

Akbar, Cambridge , UK

Well done the Irish!

How inconvenient for President Barroso though - what a a very unwelcome result - how irritating this democratic voting business is... Can't somebody abolish it?

No doubt that will be next on their agenda...

Matthew, London,

The Irish vote against the Lisbon Treaty diminishes all the more the people of Britain who would overwhelmingly have also voted 'no' were they given the opportunity. No more should we say, nor feel, that we live in a democracy -- we don't.

Frank in Orpington

Frank Reilly, Orpington, England

"We will await the reaction of other member states."

The reaction from this member state will be one of overwhelming joy!

Thank God for the Irish! I'm off for a Guinness - cheers, mates!

Mike, Brighton, England

Thank you very much Irland from Catalonia!!

Joan, Terrassa, Catalonia

The Fianna Fail spokesman gives the reasons for a yes vote: “people seem to have forgotten what Ireland was like before we received European funding. They seem to think that we created our success all by ourselves.”

Why do they have to present it as 100% in or 100% out? Thanks Ireland.

ian cooper, newark, uk

Congratulations to the Irish - at least you got a free vote - something we in the mainland have been denied. And what a briliiant result lets hope it will send a message to the Eurocrats that "the little people " are fed up being pushed around by an overpaid, underworked minority.

Timbo, MAnchester, Uk

The Irish have merely refused to vote for an EU Constitution that was rejected in France & the Netherlands, renamed & lightly revised & then put to the Irish electorate.

Once the Lison Treaty is ratified in a re-run, do you think the Irish will still be entitled to vote re. subsequent EU treaties?

Eliza , Cambridge, UK

At least freedom and democracy applies in Ireland, but clearly not in a Labour England where our major decisions are determined by the Scottish, in particular our unelected Prime Minister.

David, London,

No more Irish jokes! Obviously the Irish are very intelligent after all.
Why are we sleepwalking into this undemocratic totalitarian superstate?

D.Henry, Edinburgh, Scotland UK

So, after years of trousering millions from Brussels, they have decided to go "indie" -- just when they were asked to pay ... And their "no" voters, just like those who have commented here, have probably voted for years for parties who want expansion. Any wonder the jokes are about Irish & Poles ..?

Luca, cheltenham, England

Many thanks to the Irish people, they won't realise it now but you may have single-handedly saved every developed European nation from its fall.

Howard, Manchester,

I would had thought that a country that has been so clearly benefitting from beeing a part of the EU could show some gratitude to the others and try to collaborate a bit.

Well, it's democracy. It's a pity that there has to be a referendum of such complex issues that people don't understand.

Marcus, Helsinki, Finland

Thank you Ireland. The vast majority of people in the EU were denied a vote 'cos there was a risk they would vote NO. Only Ireland had a vote and they too have voted NO. There is only a tiny minority of the total EU electorate who voted yes to this Con/Treaty. The whole thing should be scrapped.

Donna Walker, Effingham, England

Thank you Irish, for showing the whole Europe, that the deficit in democracy is very wide in Europe.

Vik, Bratislava, Slavakia

Why the general sense of elation in this comments section? The Irish have just destroyed the only chance the EMU has to unite – to tackle the looming economic slowdown with a united voice.

Beyond the treaty, this "no" has huge ramifications for the future of the EU and economic prosperity. Thanks

Lee Jamieson, Nicosia, Cyprus

If the final result is NO, what will be the consequences? The destruction of the EU?
I hope not. I wouldn't want Europe to fall back to being just a group of small, relatively weak countries, tossed around by Russia and USA (like in the Cold War). Maybe just Ireland out of the EU?

Ville, Riihimäki, Finland, EU

Thank you Ireland! Please please vote the same way when they make you vote again!

Ian Bannen, Oxford, UK

Thank you Ireland - it is nice to know at least one nation that has common sense.

Unfortunately we can't support you (and we too would vote NO) as our government has gone into 'control freak' mode - roll on the general election.

David, Woking, England

Thank you Ireland!

You still have a say in all this (we don't), and you used it well. Thanx a million for that!

K. Peeters, Diest, Belgium

Now the Irish, French and Dutch have had their say. Why are they more democratic than the British?

John Goode, Welwyn Garden City, UK

Well done Ireland! I will be in the Irish bar tonight saying thank you to anyone with a brogue!

G Brittain, Baku, Azerbaijan

Thank you to the Irish,this is a girl from Brittany who says that.We knew we could count on you to save us from Evil Eu Big Brother!
Thank you.

Marie, London, UK

If the Irish don't want to be in the EU, no problem! We can do without this snobbish Irishmen.
Give up your membership! Just resign from all the money you received, lock yourself up on your island and forget about the rest of Europe or the world.
Exit Celtic Tigre.

Max Herzog, Munich, Germany

Europe is united against this constitution.Thats irony for you.
Peopel are proud to be european but we don't want this attack on personal freedoms and local governments.
WELL DONE THE IRISH.

ayla, london,

I voted no and i think it's a bit harsh of Richard Smart to say let's kick Ireland out because we don't want to sign up "when the rest of Europe does" considering the rest of Europe didn't get to vote on it. The Dutch and French rejected the EU Constitution and no one talked about kicking them out.

Graham McMahon, Dublin, Ireland

Exactly how does one dance a Jig ?

Rick , Gaas, Austria

How pleased I am for Ireland. I was one of the ones who voted 'no' to joining the 'thing' in the first place and I would still vote 'no'. Wouldn't it be marvellous if we Brits were now 'allowed' to vote too - AS PROMISED MR BROWN - miracles I believe in, Gordon Brown changing his mind? No way alas!

Julia Pomeroy, Chester, England

This is a case of biting the hand that feeds you, the Irish have gorged themselves on EU aid, and now think they can get along without it. Good for them. They can't, and won't. What's the betting they will reverse their vote when they see their paymasters wreak havoc as they take revenge?

G Davies, Amersham, Bucks

There is nothing democratic about 3-4 million Irish voters making a decision for 500 million Europeans. Democracy simply cannot be used as a justification for your rabid euroscepticism. It's high time the UK and Ireland put their money where their whinging mouths are and removed themselves from EU.

andreea, Brussels,

I am so glad. this is just a way of removing democracy from the European people. Imagine that the constitution had not yet been approved and already they were talking about having Tony Blair as President of the EU! How many people do you think would vote for that war criminal if he were running?

Michelle, Munich, Germany

Irland should exit Europe and refund the €60 billion she received so she will be really independant.

Maria, London, UK

A good reminder to the greedy and power obsessed politicians in the EU, that the people have the power.

Tom, galway, ireland

I am an Irish citizen, and I voted yes. To be honest I am disappointed with the result, not because the side I voted for lost, but because the no side won with what could only be described as a campaign of lies and misrepresentation. That is a big shame.

David, Cork, Ireland

I voted No and am very happy to have had the chance to vote in favour of a more democratic Europe. I am very proud of being Irish today Please peoples of Europe if you agree with our vote let the leaders of Europe know. LET THEM KNOW NOW, IMMEDIATELY, MARCH IN YOUR CAPITALS IN SUPPORT.
Sean (Dublin)

Sean Dineen, Dublin, Ireland

what's the point of having EU anyway? Britain should always keep a distance from a continent where two world wars broke out and communism has been worshipped.

Jim, London, UK

good! now can ireland and britain ,if it wants , please get out of the european union. the other countries in europe will be happy to see them go . their lukewarm attitude has hindered progress in europe despite ireland in particular benefitting enormously from europe's coffers

phil, annecy, france

Thank you Eire! I'm sure the sales of Guiness will go up here as we were promised a referendum and our Prime Minister then went back on his word. Portugal out of the EU! NOW!

Daniel Amaral, Praia da Luz, Algarve, Portugal

The Ireland vote wont make any difference as the view of the European people is not a relevant consideration in European politics.

The EU will keep asking the same question until it gets the answer it wants; or simply find a different way to sneak the constitution in.

Jim, London,

The Irish really have bitten the hand that feeds them!
Much to the joy of the Eurosceptics who were denied a voice by their politicians. Im quite sure though another set of weasley words is being drafted in Brussels to overcome the embarrassment of what was thought to be a done deal

Noel Fleming, Paris , France

So when can I buy a car in a cheaper EU COUNTRY and bring it into Ireland without paying huge tax?Open market my nanas the NO VOTE is more abouy the Irish people giving our goverment the 2 fingers for letting us down so badly. This country has become so expensive it borders on the ridicolous.

john, dublin, ireland

Its a bloody shame when we English have to rely on the Irish to protect our rights. Why do we want to give up our rights to the Bulgarians and those types? We have more in common with the West Indies than the East Europeans!

John Plumber, London, England

The Irish population never protested nor asked for more democracy when the billions of euros started flowing in to draw them from abject poverty. However, this did not save them from the mental poverty of the guy who won the jackpot and then asks everybody to go to hell.

Henri, Marseille,

I'm proud to say I voted no! I would consider myself to be a reasonably well educated person that wasn't swayed by either side. I voted no because (a) I don't believe that most people understand it (myself included) and (b) it wasn't fair that the rest of Europe didn't get a vote.

Treasa, Dublin,

We may have laughed at Irish joke but when it comes to common sense they are streets ahead of us!

Brian Christley, Abergele, UK

Thank you Ireland! A great thanks from Denmark! The danish constitution was just about to disappear because of EU laws and our politicians wouldn't let us vote about it!
So here in Denmark we'll open bottles of champagne and praise our irish brothers and sisters!

Anders Gravers, Aalborg, Denmark

The people of Ireland are not syaing no to the Lisbon Treaty, they are saying no to their government. We've all had enough lies and enough bullying. We don't want to be pushed around anymore.

James, Waterford, Ireland

Yes, yes, YES! There is a God and he is Irish :-)

Frederick Davies, Oxford, UK

I would had thought that a country that has been so clearly benefitting from beeing a part of the EU could show some gratitude to the others and try to collaborate a bit.

Well, it's democracy. It's a pity that there has to be a referendum of such complex issues that people don't understand.

Markus, Helsinki, Finland

Well done the Irish. Will the other remaining countries including the cowardly UK Governement go ahead and ratify, hoping that some time in the furture, the Irish will either be forced out of the "Club" or its constitution amended allowing the Treaty to come off the back burner. By Hook or Crook???

C Allen, Salisbury, UK

Thank you, thank you. Hooray for democracy. Ireland would probably not be the only "No" if certain other politicians had more spine and the bravery to ask their electorate!

Tom, Lichfield,

Fantastic! Now we need the Lords to vote for a referendum and the court to suggest one too and let's see these know it all politicians try to persuade us that this Treaty is any different from the Constitution on which St Tony said we'd have a referendum.

Dr Ian Burgess, Bristol,

I'm delighted with this result. Maybe now the politicians will create a treaty that gives democracy to the people instead of putting in the hands of unelected EU 'leaders'. Why should politicans decide who the president of Europe is? What happened to letting the people pick a president?

David Scott, Youghal, Ireland

Cant we just kick Ireland out?
Richard Smart, Portsmouth, UK

No sir you cannot. We live in a democracy, something your tin-pot politicians deprive you of.

I do believe however that it will be put to a 2nd referendum and the people will be told to vote the correct way, next time round.

Joe L, Dublin, Ireland

Whats disgusting and totally undemocratic is that the British and the rest of europe have not had the chance to also vote no.

D. Smith, Leics, England

Many thanks for your praises of our country. We have done the UK a major favour for something you were denied by the totalitarian Brown, a fair referendum. Please pressurise your MPs in future for referendums on EU treaties. This is a great day for liberty. Have a celebratary pint on us!

Padraig, Monaghan, Ireland

Who said Fri 13th is unlucky? Congratulations Ireland and thank you for saying what we have been democratically denied.

David, Woking, England

Who would want to give more power to these money hungry career politicians who have been obtaining public funds by deception obfuscation and downright fraud for decades??

There is a real hatred of these people and their arcane interference and beurocracy amongst many Europeans.

David Nammory, Liverpool,

The voters of Ireland will regret voting "No" to the Lisbon treaty. Their vote will deprive the Celtic Tiger of future investment from American corporations. Why? It was the placement of EU grantsthat made the nation an ideal investment location. Now such investment is bound to move on.

William Grendale Jr. , New York City , United States

Gracias Irlanda!!!!

Manuel, Spain,

I've never understood why did the people of the U.K. accepted the government's about-face on a referendum over the new constitution (er, treaty). Call for work-stoppages, hold mass protests, march on parliament, etc.

Also, can a new government "undo" the prior approval of Lisbon?

Tom, Philadelphia, USA

As an Irishman living in the UK I am very proud of my fellow citizens. The EU has for far too long been taking its citizens for granted. The no votes of the Dutch and French were ignored. I can tell you that the Irish will not take it well if their views are now ignored.

Murphy, london, UK

thank you Ireland, Soviet style euro-politicans are dead with this treaty... eurocrats go home, we are not your slaves.

john, london,

If the EU agenda is so wonderful, why are its supporters reluctant to submit it to a popular vote? Let the power-hungry bureaucrats in Brussels (actually Germany) chew on this for awhile.

RSP, St. Simons Island, GA, USA

Well done Ireland!
your vote is a NO to a capitalism that has run out of all control
it is a NO to the growing exploitation of workers around the world. We, THE PEOPLE, must fight for the control of economy, puttin'it at the service of social needs! we must fight against FINANCIAL GLOBALISATION

louzbek, paris, France

This is an appalling slap in the face to the EU leaders. Thank heaven that they recently allowed in Mr Mugabe to visit Rome. No doubt they will have already sought his expertise in declaring votes counted, and how to ignore the people they 'rule'.

hugh, coventry,

Well, perhaps premature but I think it's safe to say- here's one for every EU member whose governments put words in their mouths and ratified this treaty. It may be futile in the end but I want my voice heard when I say NO to becoming a mere state in the EU. I am grateful for that chance at least.

Rachel, Dublin, Ireland

thank you for democracy the people of you who say we should be kicked out of europe for no saying yes arent living up to the whole concept of a joint europe. plus if u understand the freedoms that we'd be giving up you'd vote no too. I am free and so are my people we'll never give that up

Mark finnegan, drogheda,

Is there a 'Connecticut Compromise' that might work to make an EU constitution palatable? I'm not suggesting the EU look like the US, but this is sounding an awful lot like the concerns of the Rhode Island colony in 1787

Elliot, Indianapolis, USA

It was the last opportunity.

- From now on it should be 26 countries.
Or
- Every country should start to look only to itself as Ireland does and play the give me give me music.

No more EU !!!

Jo Alle, Oeiras, Portugal

Thank you Irish people from all the french and dutch citizens who said no to the european constitution and were "stolen" by Sarkozy and Merkel...You are right to refuse this Europe...I hope that, this time, the eurocrats will respect this vote !
Long live Ireland and down with this Europe

Sophie, Nice , France

If you pro-treaty people are so sure of your case why don't we have a referendum in each country and see that people DO NOT want this treaty!

We have lost enough of our National Sovereignty to the benefit of unaccountable and corrupt European leaders for which we pay for!

Mo, London, UK

If 3m voters decide on an issue affecting 500m, that's only because the other 500m didn't get a say! Well done to Ireland for saying no to this state-creep which has no democratic legitimacy.

Oli, Bristol,

Three cheers for Ireland! The Eurocrats can not seem to comprehend that the people of Europe want a say in what happens to them. The people of France and the people of the
Netherlands did their duty, and now the people of Ireland have done theirs.

R. Lamb

R. Lamb, Steinbach, Germany

As an Irish voter i am very happy. Unfortunatley it looks like we will be made the scapegoat by the poloticansof Europe for not doing what we were told . For all the rest of the people in Europe I ask why you do not have the right to vote on such an important matter.

Anthoney Cloonan, Limerick, Ireland

I voted yes to the treaty because I feel that the EU has helped us to become the country that we are today... I do not like the fact that we voted no but unfortunatly thats what has happened...Saying that, maybe some of the comments could be pulled back, especially from the UK... who wont go EURO€??

Paul, Kildare, Ireland

Good for the Irish!!

Just because Ireland has received assistance for the EU doesn't mean it should become a lap dog to the Eurocrats....(the way Britan has become a barking friend of the US).

Gregory, Pasadena , USA

The Irish are not against the EU

They voted against the increasing interference and bureaucracy and the dilution of "things Irish" - national identity.

We joined a "common market" but Europe now rules our every move and is set to increase their own power with a decrease in our sovereignty.

Roger Bingham, Lauzun, France

time for brown to allow promise for us to vote in referendum or go!

dick smith, london,

First France & the Netherlands rejected the constitution. Now Ireland. The reasons for doing so are clear. Sort yourselves in Brussels like transparency in expenses, accounts etc etc and respect the peoples wishes.
EU might change a few words on the constitution a give us a 'new'
one

Tony, blackburn, uk

It's time to kick the uk out of the eu.
they are only slowing us down kick them out please.

ramon, rotterdam, netherland

please kick us out 79% off the uk do not think off themself's as
European away ....... WELL DONE IRELAND

jonh, seansea , wales

I voted yes mainly because I think the EU is still the best show in town for Ireland. To paraphrase Churchill on democracy, it ain't perfect but it sure beats the alternative. Hitler mark 2 anyone? I was also uneasy about being on the same side of the argument as the Shinners.Bring on plan B.
JC

John Connolly, Dublin,

As an outsider reading these posts, two very distinct camps emerge. There are those who thank Ireland for the restoration of democracy in Europe and there are those who castigate the Irish for being too stupid to vote the right way. Can you spot the arrogance? Unbelievable.

Scot Richards, Brisbane,

I suppose it all depends on what we mean by democracy in the modern Europe! Our politicians seem to be saying time and again that the people cannot be trusted. Perhaps they think we need to bring back the old aristocracy or find a modern Napoleon.
The rule of law seems a bit old fashioned.

Brian Lewis, Manila, Philippines

come on we have been here before, the Eu will make a small change and ask Ireland to vote again and they will vote in favour.
they just like winding us all up, now if the french or germans were to vote no then change would happen

roger, bridport,

Please could someone explain me the logic? Those who voted no, did it because they wanted more democracy and transpirancy, which was the major aim of the new contract. 4 Million decided over the destiny of 400 million and only 45 percent of them actually went voting, and you say democracy has won?

Christian , Berlin, Germany

Thank You Ireland !!!

We here in the United States may have to voice our refusal to join the North American Union soon. The same type of Globalist cabal of unelected government types, amoral politicians, and international business types that sponsor the EU are also hard at work here. THANKS !

gerry, Chicago, U.S.A.

I deeply respect the right of the Irish people to have their say, but it is fair to add, that they have been misinformed in many cases (taxation for example). The Lisbon treaty is far from being purely centralisating, the hysteria was unneccessary and the cheering crowd crearly misses the whole pic.

Vladimir Cicmanec, Banska Bystrica, Slovakia

Thank you Ireland you are a shining hope for the free people of Europe.

European politicians your days are numbered.

Jürgen, Madrid, Spain

Thank you Ireland

Remember in Holland we took a referendum on this matter and we said NO!!!! After this our goverment did not wanted us to take another vote so they signed the treaty even if we where all against it... We the people have to stop this deteriorating stance our own governements take

Robert van Harrewijen, Capelle a/d IJssel, Netherland

So the Irish didn't vote the way we were told. How shocking for the politicians of Ireland and Europe who have spent the last few months using scare tactics, bullying and threats of dire consequences for Ireland if we didn't vote yes. If the EU is so democratic then let every country hold a referendum

Nuala, Dublin,

Thank you IRELAND!
We Americans that know what is going on salute you!

No to the EU and the NAU and down with the NWO!

John in Tx, Austin,

Thank you Irish people. You stood up against the powers and the new world order. A one world government is not a good thing. No group can be trusted with that much power. Keep up the good fight and never give your power and soverienity. Hopefully it will be as easy here in the US.

David, pahrump, us

Thank God for the Irish !!
However, now watch the devious eurocrats try to dodge & ignore the will of the people. Gordon Brown and the rest of our spineless EU leaders should be ashamed of themselves for denying all of us citizens and taxpayers our "NO" vote.

Peter Coppins, Bergatreute, Germany

Thanks great Ireland from true Poland.

Leszek, Malbork, Poland

May God bless the Irish for their fortitude in standing up for what they believe is right. The union and the treaty are not a good thing to have in place. Nor is this one world government that many are forcing on the in habitants of this earth. May we all resist what we believe to be wrong.

Carole, Mendon, USA

Some people on this miss the point why the Irish voted no to the Lisbon treaty. We are not anti Europeans. It's just that we didn't like the Lisbon treaty and what it stood for. It just made me realize that we must be the only demotractic country in the EU. Since we the only nation to vote on this

Cathal, Dublin , Ireland

To Klaus in Germany - yes, we do hate the EU (though not Europe or Europeans)

Yes, you may send money to help us leave - send it to UK Independence Party at the European Parliament.

Idris Francis, Petersfield, UK

Those countries that have disctatorship in the blood will not accept a democratic rejection of there plans. Its no surprise that an unelected British Primeminister also wishes to circumvent the wishes of the people. Neither Brown nor Mugabe will listen to their people, whats the difference?

JohnW, Oldham,

Fantastic news. Well done Ireland. The Poles have said they didn't escape Communism to have another dressed up version imposed on them by unelected commisssioners in Brussels. But let no one celebrate as they will get their way because none of us can actually do anything to stop them.

john, Kouvola, Finland

God Bless Ireland! As an Irish American, I have come to the conclusion that Europeans are head over heels smarter than Americans in the world of politics.

You have avoided forced coersion of abortion, euthanasia, one-world government, one-world banking system, embryonic stell cell research, etc.

Jl, Chicago, USA

I am so proud to be Irish not only today but always, we stand up to be heard and fight for what is right!

Lisa Louth Ireland

Lisa B, Louth , Ireland

I'm a tad confused here. Why on earth have 26 governments NOT allowed their own people to vote for such an important issue ? Is this the true meaning of cowardice ? Or another name for 'politics'. Thank-You Ireland for Your Honesty.

Pete Holbrook, Shahpura, India

God bless Ireland !! Where would the English be without them ! Now its time for the English to have their say and get out of this EU.Time for us to stand up and be counted .They will never accept No for an answer so our only option is to leave.

jeff, england, england

Hey Ireland, if this EU thing doesn't work out, maybe you could become the 51st state. Don't settle, keep your options open baby!

Geo, Washington, USA

God bless the Irish.

What about it Bottler Brown when do we get our chance to vote?

Richard K, Nottingham,

I am infuriated by suggestions that we should have voted yes as a symbol of gratitude. An utterly ridiculous suggestion when so very much is at stake.

Vanessa, Dublin,

When the politicians from the other EU countries start bitching tell them to have a referendum in their countries.

Ireland is the only country that is holding one the rest are railroading it through their Parliaments.

David, Dubai, UAE

The rest of the world rubs their hands with glee as a fractious Europe fails to unite.

Markd, Woking, UK

Many thanks and congratulations to the Irish "No" voters. When will Europes political elite realise, that many Europeans do not want a European super-state?

Rod, Glasgow, U.K.

Let me get this right as an outsider. The EU brought you the right to freely travel and work in other countries, one of the worlds strongest currencies, a stronger voice in world events, stronger economies, greater human rights and in some cases a more cosmopolitan outlook. This was a bad thing?

James, Vancouver, Canada

Well done Ireland! I only wish that we in the UK were given the luxury of democracy.

Julia, London, UK

We all need the EU, we need it to work for us. What shows through your comments is no trust in the EU, this must change however it is up the to folks in Brussels to show that they have our interests as their priority and not there own. Let the people vote, let them have their say and LISTEN to them.

Rich, Dublin, Ireland

Is this because you didn't get into the Eurovision Song Contest?

Mark, Manchester, uk

At what stage do the bureaucrats understand "No" means "No?" Here in California if we vote no on something politicians wouldn't dare try to go around the decision. Rather sad state of affairs when the "rulers" treat the people like they need to be "ruled." The Irish people said no, and rightly so

Kevin, California, USA

The general public are not as gullible as most politicians believe. The E.U. may well be a good idea and have many benefits but people instinctively know when they are being rail-roaded. I am in no way anti-E.U. but would vote against the treaty.Less Gravy train and more honesty.

william tyler, norwich, u.k.

I wish to thank the Irish electorate for showing the good sense to vote NO to save those in less democratic states of the EU! The EU is a corrupt, anti-democratic juggernaut, serving only those aboard the gravy train. As one of your Ministers stated, "A referendum is the essence of democracy".

Rod Ballard, Leicester,

The Irish have done well. It is no wonder that UK citizens are denied a vote.This is one more example of how true freedom is difficult to achieve in "democratic" societies. If we could vote, the result would surely be a resounding "No."

Hugh Bonsey, Salisbury, UK

Thanks to the foresight of the Irish Constitution that its people had the right to vote on the Lisbon Treaty! The right to vote should never again be denied to all of the other "countries" and their peoples of the EU. On matters as important as a Treaty, let the people speak and be heard!!!

Robert, Boston, USA

The reality is that the Irish are pro european but anti lisbon. The other reality is that this constitution was rejected on two previous occasion. The noises coming out of France about tax harmonisation didnt help the yes camp either.

Brendan, Dublin, Ireland

How many times do the people have to vote "NO!" in referenda before the bureaucrats of Europe get the message about their proposed constitution/treaty? We do not want more integration. We want our national sovereignty back please!

PK, Sussex, UK

Peter Kenward, Crowborough, England

The Treaty and the result of the Irish vote should be put into perspective. The Treaty was giving power back to the Member States by increasing the EP's involvement and how you can say a NO vote by one of the smallest Member States is representative is beyond me. It should now be dead nonetheless.

Katie, Reading,

Well done Ireland ! It took us 6 years of strife and a lot of lives to get rid of the last lot of fascists and secure our democracy.This time Ireland has done it by the ballot box.
Suspend all existing EU legislation till we have had a referendum as promised !

dalesman, York, England

Only 1% of the EU population voted and all the discredited polititians

Charlie, Durham, uk

The Irish have displayed what is severely lacking in European countries today. Namely, virtue, courage, morality and pride; for their identity, nationality and highly principled insistence upon self government.

You are free Ireland - I congratulate you!

Rebel Radius, New Zealand, New Zealand

If we had been given a referendum as promised, the result would also be a resounding NO! That is precisely why they chickened out. What is their word worrth? - Zero!

Francis Cunningham, OLDHAM, uK

Thank you to the people in Ireland that voted "No" to this treaty! You done us all a favor!

I'm not in favor of all this One World Goverment or New World Order as Gordon puts it!

Andrew, North East Town, England, UK

Thank you so much Ireland. You did what all the others in Europe couldn't do give their honest oppinion. What kind of democracy wants the EU to be if they don't even allow a fair and free vote to all the people of Europe?

Christian, Hamburg, Germany

Well, I say congratulations to the "NO" vote on the European plan for a government of, by and for the GOVERNMENT, to create a large SLAVE union of formerly independent States. I am very proud today to say my ancestors came to America from IRELAND!

Bless all who voted "NO" to dictatorship!!

Robert Glenn, Globe, AZ, USA

Looks like the Irish have saved Civilization once more. Up The Republic!!

Ryan, Ottawa, United States

As an Irishman who voted no, let me say this... The power of the people is slowly being taken away, to ratify increased removal of basic democratic rights of hundreds of millions of fellow European's would not rest well with me. Pro Europe I am, but the power must remain with the people.

James OFlynn, Cork, Ireland

I suggest the 3 million voters in Ireland reflect the views of the majority elsewhere who were not given the same opportunity to vote! Well done those voters in Ireland!

Les Newman, Harlow, England

Ashamed to be Irish today, We have gained so much over the last 15 years!!!!!!! I really don´t understand the No vote, the long lasting consequences will be pretty deep I suspect.

John Daly, Dublin,

Nobody in Ireland wanted to vote yes to something they did not fully understand! i think if the treaty is explained better and there is another referendum, the YES votes will out weigh the NO votes.

John, Dublin, Ireland

Take heart. The powers that be in the EU will just tweek it again and take another vote until they get what they want.

von, London,

About 85% of messages here are positively delighted at the Irish "No" vote. Obviously you rather hate the whole European project. Couldn't you just leave?

I guess most Continental Europeans would be rather pleased. Everybody would be better off. Rather sad that UKIP has vanished into thin air.

Klaus, Essen, Germany

I understand we will be punished financially for the stance we took against the treaty, but sometimes you gotta take a hit for something you sincerely believe in and we believe in sovereignty, and democracy for all the people of Europe. They should all have had a say in this.

Keith, Dublin, Ireland

Do the people in here who thank the irish voters, actually know what the lisbon treaty is about? Significant is the fact, that the higher educated irish middle class voted in favor of it. The european governments failed to communicate what it is about. It actually will make the EU more democratic.

Chris, Germany,

Well done wish we had been allowed to have our say. The only thing is you will no doubt have to endure further referendums until you vote the way you were supposed to.

Gary, swindon,

I never thought I'd say it as an Ulsterman, but I take my hat off to the Irish who value their liberty more than we seem to.
Well done, and you have my total respect since you respect your own nationality, independence and most of all liberty...
Well done, you have not betrayed your country.

R McAuley, Antrim, United Kingdom

To Thierry of France, the UK did NOT elect Gordon Brown as leader and so he does not represent the country! Democracy would be a leader elected by the people not his own party who inturn govern with a mandate from less than 50% of the nation.
Well done the Irish and shame on the rest of Europe!

ian blaber, Brisbane, Australia

Clive Burghard has got it right - Ministers refusing to give us a referendum is tantamount to High Treason

R McAuley, Antrim, United Kingdom

It wouldn't surprise me that Ireland would vote no. It never contributed much to European culture throughout its history anyway. However, I think the EU is dictating too much on member states, they should worry about Muslims practically invading Europe instead.

John, Tampa,

The EU (EC) has been successful in achieving what it was intended for; to prevent the type of war Europe experienced between1939-1945. However, I think that the Irish 'No' vote shows just how disillussion Europeans feel with the current steps towards 'greater integration'.

Sandeep Singh, Leicester, England

So the EU will be in crisis because the Irish rejected the treaty, strange that seeing as how the EU was supposed to be in crisis already due the the Dutch and French rejecting the previous constitution. The EU appears to be going along just fine. No all this was, was a massive power grab by theEU

Stephen, St. Ives, England

"The Irish no damages Europe but in no way does it destroy her." Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Reinhart, the Europe Minister of Baden-Württemberg. Indeed, Europe will be in the end be destroyed by the powers that be here in Brussels continuing to ignore the express will of the people in sovereign states.

Chris Gillibrand, Brussels , Belgium

Just did a quick count. About 150 messages here, about 85 % positively delighted at the Irish "No" vote. Since you hate the European project so much, why can't you just leave? Can I donate money towards this cause somewhere?

I guess most of us continental Europeans would be rather pleased.

Klaus, Essen, Germany

PS
Just been told here that another referendum will have to take place next year to "correct" the previous one.

Chris Gillibrand, Brussels , Belgium

Perhaps leaders in Europe will finally listen to the voices of those who are the first concerned by the policies they adopt. First France and the Netherlands, now Ireland. How long before someone pays attention? Or will they just simply ban the use of referendum in another "democratic" move?

Moema Rosa, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

I have always been so proud to be 1/2 Irish, and applaud those who voted NO!

I think the EU has always been a bad idea & have often questioned the motives of those who are pushing it.

Susan, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

Thank you Ireland!
(And I was born and raised in the UK, and left there in 1985)

Mary L, Mantel, San Angelo, TX USA

The EU Commission do not seem to accept that NO means NO and wish to turn it into a Yes. Perhaps they should consult Mugabe as to how to achieve this!

Chris, Ashford, Middx, England

There is a lot of pent up frustration in the posts - for those who say Europe is not democratic, remember that the decisions are taken by the heads of states who are all elected.
This just illustrates that you cannot govern through referendums, because mature government requires compromise.

Thierry, Grenoble, France

O.K.
The people of Ireland don't want this.
The People of France don't want this.
The people of Holland don't want this.
The People of the U.K. (if they only had a say) don't want this.
WE don't want this – Get rid of our E.U. Masters.

Brian Drury, London Colney, England

Good news. But, the greater challenge is for the Irish to regain control of their money supply.

Few understand that control of a people's money supply is tantamount to control of that people.

The EU actually does have a plan 'B' - Watch out now for fiscal 'punishments', to be visited on the Irish

David, Waterford, Ireland

Ireland - I love you.

Tommy, Agen, France

God bless Irish!

I think, yesterday YOU were the true democratic voice of all people living in other EU countries that did not have a chance to express their opinion in referendum on that communist Lisbon Treaty.

Thank you very much!!!

Stephen, Poland

stephen, krakow, poland

As an American with Irish descent, I applaud the Irish for voting NO!

Our prayers are with you!

Mary Irene , Freeland, USA

Thank you, Ireland!

agata, Warszawa, Polska

Paradoxically, the EU tries to be TOO 'democratic'. It should be a Treaty between nations, supervised by Commissioners from each one of them. No 'Court', no so-called 'Parliament'. The place for 'democracy' should be in the MSs themselves. The Treaties have gone wrong on the basic principles.

Steve, Tunbridge Wells, England

Those who want further integration can move ahead and do that., leaving the present EU to function as it is. Surely that protects everybody's interests and is entirely democratic. Great to see all the support for the Irish vote. (I voted Yes.)

Siobhan, Dublin

Siobhan Stack, Dublin,

Perhaps it's time for people in some European countries to host their own Boston Tea Party. Taxation without Elected Representation, I think not.

Jim Martin, Lindale, TX, USA

Thank you Ireland!!!

A. Schelberg, Germany,

Words do not exist to express my deep gratitute to the people of Ireland for rejecting this disgraceful 'treaty'. The concept of the European Union is a good one but the bunch of unelected bully boys in Brussels that thirst for total power without the annoyance of being accountable must be stopped.

Nigel Le Gresley, Wickford, UK

What's all this talk of a crisis about. The IrishGovernment rightly asked its citizens for their opinion. They got it. The Lisbon treaty needed all members' signatures. It will not be signed and business will go on as it did before. What please is the crisis?

Prof reggie von Zugbach, Düsseldorf, expat

Irish pubs throughout Europe will be busy this evening :)

Paul, Coventry,

Look at the incredibly contemptuous arrogance the political class reacts with to the result of the FANTASTIC Irish vote.

It is only a matter of time that somehow, somewhere, armed rebellion brakes out against the antidemocratic EU. That time is not near, I do not wish it, but is on the cards.

Andras, London, UK

Well done Ireland,

The strength of you Catholic roots have guided you god bless
Ireland
Tony USA

Anthony Schiano, long valley nj, USA

We can only hope that this is the wedge that will eventually get this nation completely out of the EU. What began as a trade agreement has now amounted to a take-over of the U.K. by those across the channel. We are BRITISH, not European, and for centuries we have defended this idea/difference.

Glenorchy, Perthshire, Scotland

I've always liked the Irish, and now..
I like them even more. Thank you all and God Bless!

John, Ramsgate,

Bravo Ireland! All countries should have a referendum and that would kill this union once and for all. Here in the US the North American Union is being negotiated in secret with nary a word from the press and behind the backs of the American people.
Support the (Ron Paul) Revolution!

Wendy Wasp, Memphis, USA

Thank you Ireland. We are gratefull. The treaty would never
have succeded in a referendum in Denmark which was why we didnt get to vote here.

Ole Monrad Møller, Odense, Denmark

Today i am proud to say that i have a little tiny drop of Irish blood in me. Thank you Ireland.

Ole Monrad Møller, Odense, Denmark

Its an affront to democracy that the eu continues with this undemocratic project rejected by the peoples of France, Netherlands and now Ireland. Ratifications should cease. What is required now is a democratic treaty, real accountability and a vision that the peoples of Europe will approve.

Philip, Dublin, Ireland

In a truly democratic Europe, referenda should be held in each country. What we have instead is an adaptation of the Delphi Technique where wishes of the average individual are of no account and the outcome desired by the leadership is predetermined and any objections are derided.
Bravo Ireland!

Bill Channon, Francestown, United States

"The no vote in Ireland has not solved the problems which the Lisbon Treaty is designed to solve,"
Perhaps they are trying to solve the wrong problems.
The peoples of Europe are the problem for the politicians - or is it that the politicians and eurocrats are part of the problem for the people?

Colin McSporran, Andover,

Congratulations Ireland! You fortunately were given the chance to stand up for yourselves and took it! It gives me hope here in the USA

Victoria, Black Creek, USA

a lesson for all bruxelles polititians that the majority of voters do not want a centralised goverment of europe, at least not yet.
i for one ,am fed up at being dictated to, by unelected commisioners, in many cases failed people in their own country.
wake up and stop patting yourselves .

john haydon rowe, javea,

Oh well the Irish have voted, so has the French ( thye said No for the Nice treaty but then the lisbon treaty was de facto accepted bythe government.
i suppose we could move on with some other derogation , but the we have the 27 no situation.
One pillar is obviously not enough to support it

mark, london,

Thank you, people of Ireland who voted no - I only wish my government had been honourable enough to give us our promised referendum. I'd certainly have voted against.

Andy, Whitchurch,

The response of elected politicians in Europe and this country will now show us all whether Europe is a democracy or no better than Zimbabwe.

Andrew, Bristol, UK

I wish disgruntled EU bureaucrats would stop this nonsense that 1 pct of the EU pop shouldn’t be allowed to derail Lisbon.

The only reason it’s only 1 pct is because the other 99 pct weren’t given the chance to vote! If they were we’d see that the overwhelming majority of EU voters reject it.

Simon , London, UK

How about voting on accepting any further money from the EU???
I agree that the EU should do a better job of making itself a bit more transparent to the voters. But do the NO voters really understand what is at stake?

Stefan Frish, San Francisco, USA

By reading these comments it seems that Europe is united.. by a NO to Europe! But do not tell me that yours is a no to unelected eurocrats. By the tone of your comments you wouldn't accept an elected european government either. To be realistic at this stage it is either this Europe or no Europe.

Michele, London, United Kingdom

I am pleased that at least there are still some sane people in this world. What is going on here is to prepare a way for the coming precurser to the Antichrist. The British are leading the way with recording all cell phones and emails. What next ? Take a good hard look before it's too late.

john, NEW YORK, USA

The referendums should have been held in every country in the EU, not just Ireland.

I assume the No's would have won in majority of EU countries, to be honest.

The Treaty was no good to begin with.

Nicholas, Marseille, France

Well done, Ireland!

"But only in Ireland has it been put to a popular vote, meaning today's result may have far-reaching consequences for the entire bloc."

Put this sovereignty-killing "treaty" to the popular vote in every EU member state. Problem solved.

MacGhil, Flagstaff, USA

THANK YOU: THANK YOU Ireland,
I was praying that your common sense would vote NO.
If we had been allowed to we would have done the same.

A. Carter, Stratford-on-Avon, England

Re this post:

Can't we just kick Ireland out? If they don't want to sign up to the Lisbon Treaty, when the rest of Europe does, then that's their problem.
Richard Smart, Portsmouth, UK

Er, Richard, did we kick you out when you refused to join the single currency? Grow up, man!

Philip, Gorey, Co. Wexford, Ireland

Thank you to all you good Irish People who voted NO, I will buy a pint of Guinness for the first Irishman or woman that I next meet.
As for the Current British Government, they should be ashamed of themselves, they deserve to be tried for TREASON.

Clive Burghard, LANCING, ENGLAND

Brussels Bureacrats Beware - This is what happens when you diss St Terence of Wogan!

By the way - a good day for democracy - we should all be grateful to the Irish.

VM, London, UK

When a country becomes a dictatorship, people leave and take their skills and energy elsewhere. The same will happen in Europe. I don't want to be part of the EU. Does that mean I must leave my country? Both Ireland and Portugal know what mass emigration can do. Let's not see it in Britain.

MarkS, Bath, England

This UK Government is already saying that the Irish vote doesn't make a jot of difference and they will press ahead.

And they wonder why we are now so cynical about the people who are supposed to represent us.

G Davies, Amersham, Bucks

Way to go Ireland! Thank God for the Irish.

Ian Goddard, Durham, NC, USA

Ireland has spoken for all those freedom loving countries like us, who were unfairly denied a vote, when the same old Federalist Constitution was repackaged and put back on our plates. It would have been rejected in the UK too, if only Gordon Brown had had the guts to deliver the promised referendum

Nigel MacNicol, Oakham, Rutland UK

Few commentators seem to appreciate is that the key issue is the lack of democratic acocuntability in the EU. Ireland's voters clearly appreciate this opportunity to reject a system which is forced upon an electorate by fiat. Wake up EU! You will get support when you are democratically accountable.

alec innes, London, UK

Who say the Irish are stupid. They have more common sense than the rest of us in Europe! Well done

steve tea, manchester, cheshire

Yes, they are wrong, senior figure -- whoever you are, the Irish created their fortune by the hand of God through the blood and sweat of great Irishmen and women like my Great Grandad, Christopher Jordan. GOD BLESS IRELAND!

Colleen, New York,

Why don´t Ireland , and maybe some more contries vote on their presence in the EU? They would just do a favour to everyone. Concerning Ireland, their absence would certainly not be tragic. Norway, Switzerland and Serbia´s presence, even Ukraine and Turkey´s would perhaps be more important.

SAC, Braga,

What a disgrace! If people won't vote as they are told, what is the point in letting them have the vote in the first place?

Steve Buckel, Braunau-am-Inn, Austria

one or two sore losers in there !!

david c, purbeck, uk

To Suleyman Siddiqui, Ealing , UK.

You do not understand why Ireland voted NO. They do not object to the principle of the EU, as you seem to suggest. They voted NO to being completly subhumed into a super federal state with no independant voice and everything controlled by unelected bureaucrats.

paul, sutton, uk

Elected representatives giving away ANY political power to the EU without asking acceptance from people who put them there is fundamentally undemocratic.

The Irish just saved Europe for a few months, the Eurocrats will push this through soon in some other undemocratic way with no say for anyone

Guy, London, UK

thank you people of ireland for your wisdom to vote no

The EU is made by the politicians for the politicians, and by the capital for the capital, and by the unions
for the unions.
All of them don't like interference. Democraty is for the dummies

W.noens Flanders

Noens willy, sint-niklaas, Flanders

The Eurocrats should not have the next referendum on Friday the13th

Charlie, Durham, uk

Dear Diary, JACKPOT

Im Irish and everybody outside Dublin (typical) voted no yesterday and I'm sure there would be other EU member states that would have followed in our footsteps,given the chance

Proud as ever to be Irish

B Murphy, Cork, Ireland

Please, the UK would have voted in the same way. It's too easy to point the finger and use Ireland as a scapegoat.

Emma, London,

The treaty was an incomprehensible document, and was intentionally designed to be so, in the hopes that it could simply be passed without any bothersome protest by the people of Europe. The EU needs to be either drastically redesigned or dismantled.

Thank you Ireland!

margherita, Italy,

Well done, Ireland!!

Cooperation, entente cordiale, friendship, cultural exchange and all that - YES!

Control by unelected, faceless Eurocrats concerned only to line their pockets and control other people's lives - NO! NO! NO!

F Waddams, Nottingham,

I voted yes but to be quite honest I'm kind of relieved the no vote won! I don't think there's anything particularly problematic in the treaty but the condescending and presumptive attitude of the Eurocrats (it's representative democracy NOT selective!) at the top has to go

Neil, Dublin, Ireland

Thank you Ireland....you are a free voice for all Europe...

Adrian, Aldershot, ENGLAND

To all those who say that Ireland should have voted 'YES' because of what the EU has done for the country.. this treaty is about what the EU can do in the future, not what it has done in the past. The measures were rejected in a democratic referendum.The EU knew that this could happen.

Chris Bryan, Shannon,

Ramon of Rotterdam - What has this got to do with the UK?

The reason why I voted "No" was because nobody could explain the benefits of voting "Yes" in simple, straightforward language. Any information available seemed to be written or presented in a deliberately confusing manner. Caution won.

Mick, Cork, Ireland

It would be the same result in other countries which is why they are not getting a chance to vote. Elected representatives should not be allowed to permanently sign away powers that are on loan from the people. The European ideal should be democracy so today is a victory for the true European ideal.

stephen, singapore,

As a Irish - scottish american . I,am SO Very Proud of The Irish . You have Guts. , Ireland got to vote when others didn,t because the Irish fought for there freedom like we did in 1776. Other countrys had the P.M. talking for the people. Long live free IRELAND!!!!!!!

Erik e., Columbus ,ohio, U.S.A.

There was once a book titled "How the Irish saved civilization". They have done it again. The governments of "free" Europe tried to impose a rejected Constitution (wrapped in the smelly fish paper of a "treaty") on their citizens. The Irish have shown courage in the face of EU government cowardice

HarryVT, Wilton, USA

Stay out of that collective Ireland. You have done well to remain distinct and as you are. We love you that way.

John West
Canada

John West, Nanaimo, Canada

If this is a vote based on "ignorance and fear", then it is because the architects of the Lisbon Treaty deliberately kept the Irish people in "ignorance", by drafting a document that was incomprehensible.

The Irish people had cause to be afraid, as have the other voteless EU citizens.

David Meyer, London, UK

"Ireland has voted No to the Lisbon Treaty, plunging the European Union into a new crisis"

Surely all that Ireland did was hold a democratic referendum?

Any crisis is entirely the EU's problem - typified by the shabby manipulation by EU gov'ts including our own to deny us our national rights.

Paddy, Edinburgh,

Go Ireland!

Mary Allen, London, England

All the Irish Political Parties said that a No vote would affect Irelands position in Europe. In other words, if you don't give what the Lisbonites want, prepare to suffer. Zimbawbe comes to mind!!
Back to the drawing board lads, and give the rest of the European people a vote as well next time!!

Pat, Wexford, Ireland

BLESS YOU IRELAND, one and all!

Don't now let them lie to you about what "you'll lose". It's rubbish, you'll lose nothing and will, along with the disenfranchised masses in the capitulating 26, you'll gain a say in your own future.

I raise a glass to you!

Dale, Australia,

Should the no-votes of a bit more than 750,000 people plunge the European Union representing almost 500 million into a crisis? Certainly not! Let's get rid of the spoilers and move on. 'Join us when you like lads’. I could not agree more…

SG, Frankfurt, Germany

YYEEESSSS!!!

I mean No - but in a big way.

Thank You Ireland for doing what the rest of use weren't allowed to do - just say No.

Bry Barnes, Somerset, Uk

There's no way a little thing like democracy is going to get in the way of the Eurocrats' dream. Thanks to Ireland they will have to be a little bit more bare-faced about their treachery in the future.

Michael, Liverpool,

My Irish eyes are sure smiling today!

MaryJ , San Franicisco, CA, USA

GMM, Dublin,
You are underestimating the intelligence of the electorate, The Yes campaign was also dirty, There were no valid arguments for the treaty, only threats.

I'm glad it was a no and feel that all European citizens should have been given the same right to decide for themselves

P Francis, Donegal, Ireland

Thank you Ireland!!!!!

Es lebe die Freiheit!

M from Germany

M, Köln, Germany

the wealthy areas voted yes, the poorer areas voted no because they were more easily taken in by the scaremongering and lies told by the no campaigners

i think its terrible that ireland voted no
all the no voters should all move to iran lol see how they like it there

alice, laois, ireland

thanks to the 1.5 million voters who acted as proxy for the 400 million voters who didn't get the chance to say either 'yes' or 'no'and i wish the bbc would stop trying to suggest that we 400 million were happy to hand over the decision to our elected representatives because we weren't and aren't !

david c, purbeck, uk

Shame on you Irish...

Joao, New York,

Shall I tell Ramon? OK. Ireland is not part of the UK Ramon. But please, kick us out. If we'd had a vote, as we were promised in the pre-election manifesto of our ruling party, we'd also have voted a resounding NO.

Ben, Kings Lynn, United Kingdom

Ramon, two things
1) Ireland is not part of the UK,
2) The UK puts far more in, than it takes out; so chuck us out, and see what happens to all the small countries like the Netherlands

Bez, manchester,

Well done by the brave and honrable Irish people who understand too well the value of independence and soverignty, paid in blood and oppression, to have surrendered it to the Euro-bureaucrats!!

Javier Arroyo, Silver Spring, MD, USA

Thank you Ireland!

Jonas, Visby, Sweden

Thank you Ireland, thank previous Irish statesmen for your constitution !

Oh, if only the UK had Statesmen and not lazy career politicians !

For the UK, EEC membership maybe yes, EU rule definitely NO.

Where's our promised referendum Gordon ?

cap, Lincoln, UK

Thank you from the bottom of my heart all you brave Irish NO voters. Some may be sceptical and say it won't make any difference - this maybe so but I think not. No-one has forgotten how the people of France and The Netherlands were cheated by the EU Masters and no-one will forget what you have done!

LT, Warminster, UK

Biting the hand that feeds comes to mind. Where would Ireland be without the EU? I hope the EU now carries on with the project without Ireland - it's not like they'll be missed.

D.R. Nick , London, UK

The EU will already be planning how to ignore the result...remember, they do what they want, not want people want.

Chris, Northampton, England

Perfect.
Thank you Ireland!
Thank you sooooo much!

Lang lebe die Freiheit

M, Köln, Germany

thanks Ireland for standing against this undemocratic treaty.

mark, manchester, uk

God bless Ireland and the Irish people, who exercise their right of self determination.

It's a shame the rest of Europe suffers under despots that are proud of denying their people any choice.

Jonathan, Flint, Michigan, USA

If they had held referendums in all the 27 member states: 22 members would have voted YES, 5 (Britain, Ireland, Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark) would have voted no. There are people from euroskeptic countries who deserve a vote but there are also people from europhile countries who deserve a vote.

Anthony, Madrid, Spain

Hallelujah!!!!!! THANK YOU IRELAND! Now, please can the rest of us have the chance to express our opinion in the ballot box? The constitution might be a good thing - in which case, GIVE US OUR VOTE!

Nick, Rotherham, UK

Ramon, Rotterdam.
No 1 Rep of Ireland is not in the UK, No 2 I seem to remember Holland voted NO. No 3 UK would probably vote no, but isn't given the chance. No 4 you may not like democracy but it's better than the alternative.
Long live the freedom to say No

Jason White, Paris,

It's time to kick the uk out of the eu.
they are only slowing us down kick them out please.

ramon, rotterdam, netherlands

Ireland is not part of the UK Ramon and as for the UK slowing you down! And just remind me again, who was it who voted NO the last time?

PJW, London, UK

Matt, Munich. Give Ireland back the $60 billion worth of fish taken from our waters by your French buddies, and you can have the €30 billion in development and structural fund subsidies we've taken from you lot in the same time.

Colin, Cork, Ireland

@ramon, rotterdam, netherlands
"It's time to kick the uk out of the eu.
they are only slowing us down kick them out pleas"

Just goes to show how much you know, The UK did not have a referendum, it was Ireland!

P Francis, Donegal, Ireland

down with the treaty of eurocrates for life, down with politicans for life, down with un-democratic system they are imposing on us, down with corruption in brussels who are benefiting on eu and discriminating to rest.
WHO IS PRO-EU?JUST THE ONES IN BRUSSELS AND POLITICAL CLASS WHICH IS UNDEMOCRATIC

DAVID, london, UK

God Bless Ireland!

We always were (and are) able to see through the shenanigans of politicians - and only accepted them when it suited us....

mabel, Braintree, England

Thank you Ireland. Your vote won't stop the EU gravy train but it just might slow down on the on-going self-serving and unaccountable corruption.

Ray Kite, Winslow, UK

Brilliant work, Ireland. Why on earth were we not given a chance to vote ourselves her e in the UK?!? At least they've done our hard work for us...

"Unelected elite" is an inspired phrase, although "self-serving" should have been added for completeness also.

Pete, London,

"three million voters have effectively decided the fate of a bloc of almost 500 million people"
Still a lot more democratic than the few hundred "representatives" who decided that e.g. Holland, GB and France should not be allowed a referendum.

Nick, London, UK

Thanks to everybody for your kinds words about us.

I think the majority voted against because of a lack of democracy re: France, Netherlands & UK - and the orwellian tactics used to make the treaty unreadable to common folk.

An elected executive President & Parliment are required European reforms!

Bryan O'Donoghue, Dublin, Ireland

The Irish have made a great mistake, the benefits incurred by ireland as a result of the EU has been fundamental to its success. The no camp have used underhand and false tactics, bringing forward the issue of abortion, capital punishment and taxation to deter people from voting for the treaty

Suleyman Siddiqui, Ealing , UK

Good skills Eire!

Perhaps they should not have left counting the vote until Friday the thirteenth.

Simon Bee, Wokingham, UK

Can we have our own continential block of 400 million people of Europe and leave Ireland where it was 20 years ago and the UK to be a tail of the US?

Matt, Muncih, Germany

I voted yes. For Brussels to deny people a vote to save themselves the embarrassment of seeing (again) that they are not in tune with thepeople they "represent", well, that says it all. It will be interesting to see if others now decide to not ratify. I suspect others are very secretly relieved.

Kieran , Dublin, Ireland

all that irish voters have achieved is to stop the european union from functioning more efficiently. nothing more, nothing less. No nation has done better out of europe than ireland. and I thought Ireland was an outward looking, go ahead nation...

Barcus Berry, London, UK

those who were pushing the 'No' vote, Sinn Fein, Socialist Workers Party, came up the same argument as the right in the UK.Ireland has voted against the treaty for the same ridiculous fears that were used in the UK press 6 or 7 years ago: WE DON'T WANT THEIR STRAIGHT BANANAS. Tut.

Cian, Dublin, Ireland

Fantastic news and I offer my ever grateful thanks on behalf of the UK! The wonders of a true democracy never cease, but's let pray the EU fat cats listen and stop this rebranding nonsense.

Lee, Bristol,

So the Irish 'voted in ingnorance and fear', whose fault is that? If nation states took the time to explain the treaty in eberyday language perhaps the vote would have been Yes. But I suspect that if the Irish fully understood the treaty it would have been a much larger No vote.

Jonathan Mills, Brighton,

Good.

The way the treaty was to be railroaded shows the arrogance of European policiticans. People across Europe rejected a Constition so the undemocratic European political elite bypassed the people.
I used to be pro-European now I think the Swiss have the best of all worlds.

Dan Gill, Manchester,

I'm an Irish bureaucrat type in Brussels and I'm happy!
Even if the Irish voted no because don't understand the treaty - that's reson enough -it is fairly uncomprehensible. I think the EU has done some great things, particularly for Ireland, but I do not believe in its "competence creep".

CM, Brussels, Belgium

Europeans should focus on the democratic aspect of this referendum. If the other Governments in Europe think their people support why don't thye hold referendums?
The simple answer is that they know it would be defeated in theri countires also.

Colm Halloran
Dublin
PS I was in favour

Colm Halloran, Dublin, Ireland

What now for a country with rising un-employment and little domestic industry? A return to the good old 80's.
Tis a sad day to be Irish.
Kevin Donegan, London,

Seems like you are the one using fear, ignorance and untruths. Vote yes or the sky will fall- what a rational debate from the yes camp...

Steve, Norwich, Norfolk

Congrats to the Irish for standing up for their own nation and their own individuality, and rejecting faceless and nameless bureaucrats in Brussels and Strassbourg who "know what's best for them". Pity more of their fellow Euro governments didn't have the guts to consult their own people.

L Colquhoun and M Stuart-Mackenzie, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia

It is a pity.

The treaty was not perfect - but what in life is. Still, it meant moving in the right direction - a joint Europe of friendly nations, not enemies.

Krzysztof, Warsaw, Poland

Thank God for the Irish Constitution. The EU could not overrule it and it allowed us to have our say. Why should we in Ireland vote yes to what has aleady been voted no on in France and Netherlands.

Long live democracy

Neil, Limerick,

It's time to kick the uk out of the eu.
they are only slowing us down kick them out please.

ramon, rotterdam, netherlands

there has been no overall results yet.....

gk, dublin, ireland

Thank GOD! Thank you Ireland, i don´t want to live in a dictatorship. Those who say kick Ireland out are ignorant fools that dont understand this treaty. This treaty was dangerous to all nations in EU! THANK YOU!

Peller Nam, Helsinki, Finland

Greetings from germany. (Sorry for my bad english).

Our people do not have the chance to be asked for there opinion!
The leadership decide what they want, not what the people want.

We havn't any chance to stopp this undemocratic procedure. Federal Constitutional Court decide for us soon.

Jörg Bertram, near Kassel, germany

Thank you Ireland. Shame on 'Greed O Brown' that we are denied our basic right. A democratic voice on such an important matter. Regime change in the UK - now!

Ethan, nr dole farm, uk

Sláinte lads, you've done us all a favour. But now we'll see how the weasel politicos find a way around it.

Guy, London,

Thankyou Ireland.

Terry Pearson, Hemel Hempstead.,

Maybe if our so called leaders concentrated more on their people rather than giving each other ridicolous pay rises,lenghty holidays and tips on how to weasle through tribunals.,the people of Ireland may have supported them.As it stands people see very little reduction but an awful lot of inflation.

john, dublin, ireland

The Irish vote does not mean we have to pull out of the EC but what it does say to Brown and his cronies is that enough is enough; you cannot try to hoodwink us into thinking this was anything but the old Treaty dressed up in a new (nu Labour) set of clothes.

Sam, Wolverhampton, UK

Time for a rethink Not just lisbon treaty but threwhole EU

There is so much corruption and billions being wasted it needs total restructure

Any chance of prosecutions which would stop the freeloaders instead of the usual slap on the wrist. expense fiddle etc is theft and should be treated so

bill, cornwall,

To those People who say Ireland is wrong .....

Well sorry Ireland is RIGHT they are the proxy vote for the rest of Europe

For all the coutries who wanted to vote and were not allowed one.

Poles across Europe in many countries consistently showed that the PEOPLE DO NOT TRUST THE EU .....

paul wilcox, berkshire, uk

Thank you from Portugal.

Ana, Porto, Portugal

I wish I could feel positive about this no vote, sat here in Wales I wonder if it will make a single bit of difference.
If not then I do hope you irish are ready for a deluge of people moving over to your beautiful country!

tomireland, caernarfon, Wales

The Irish are well aware of the help the EU gave them to kick start their current prosperity. However saying "yes" just as a thank-you is a completely ridiculous notion on such a far reaching document that will dictate the future governence of the EU.

Michael Baker, Naas, Ireland

the suggestion that ireland owes it's economy to other europeans charity is a fraud. greece take more money and move backwards. norway stay out and prosper.

maccer, termus, greece

Well done Ireland, but will the politicians listen? Does this mean that all the EC governments will now not dare to ask their own electorates to vote on any future regurgitated version of this unwanted treaty? Europe finally united ...... against this constitution nonsense

DH, Paris,

“The other 26 countries will ratify and we will be told ‘Join us when you like lads’,” he said.

Really? That sounds like an odd condition for signing up.

John Tee-Rhodes, Manchester,

Brilliant , well done Ireland.
We in the UK are denied a vote 'for' or 'against' this treaty as promised by this government as they know they are going against the will of the people

Janson, Cheltenham, England

Goodness me!! I don't think the Eurocrats will be having any more referenda. People get to vote in them!! A dangerous concept indeed!

Paul Freeman, London , England

Thank you Ireland!

Your vote was a clear sign for democracy and that meddling in European Affairs by the International Financial Oligarchy and the Bilderbergers will not be tolerated.

Kay

Kay Jaeger, Auckland, New Zealand

Good on the Irish. Now lets hope we can get out of EU altogether.

Kevin, London, UK

27 nations, and only one where the electorate, that each government is supposed to reopresent, is given the opportunity to have their view heard.
Listen well UK politicians - your job is to play the hand the electorate deals you, NOT to stack the cards how you would like them to be.
It's democracy

W Smith, Manchester,

The most telling point was that the majority of people had no idea what they were voting for because the treaty is so mind-numbingly complex.

But I have a suggestion: come back next year with a new version called the Treaty of Dublin and I guarantee it will pass.

Tony, Chicago, USA

Praise the Lord. The irish appear to have saved us from 'the constitution by the back door' and have produced the same result the British people would have done had this government honoured their commitment to a referendum.

Robert Lintern, Codsall, Staffordshire

They will simply break up Lisbon and have the parliaments pass the same constitional document in many treaties and documents.
The EU is taking away the democratic power of the people of Europe. They also are deliberately keeping them misinformed because they know people would not vote for it!

Roger, Auckland,

Cant we just kick Ireland out?
If they dont want to sign up to the Lisbon treaty, when the rest of Europe does then thats their problem. Prehaps if they are forced to cope with life outside the EU they may change their minds. But otherwise what a dissappointing day for Europe and the UK.

Richard Smart, Portsmouth, UK

"There is no Plan B", the Eurocrats keep telling us.

Well, time to resign then, and we'll get new administrators in who can think of a Plan B

Andrew Forbes, Thames Ditton, Surrey

THANK YOU IRELAND! A big massive CONGRATULATIONS from Spain!

The people from Ireland were yesterday our last hope. Thanks for saying NO to this antidemocratic treaty! We didn´t have the right to referendum so we rely on you.

THANK YOU!! You´ll always be just great!

Ateo, Spain, Spain

This NO vote is a xenephobic reaction to too much change over a short space of time. It is based on fear, ignorance and un-truths.

Gerry Adams? Libertas? What now for a country with rising un-employment and very little domestic industry? A return to the good old 80's.

Tis a sad day to be Irish.

Kevin Donegan, London,

This has made my day!

Excellent news - fantastic!

Well done the Irish...now perhaps WE can have referendum

Phil, Preston,

Democracy has defeated the European Dictatorship (ED) - again! The democratic majority in Ireland has spoken. The democratic majority in Britain has not been allowed to speak. Overthrow Brown's Vichy Britain dictatorship now!

Terry, London, UK

IRELAND WE LOVE YOU!!

Here in the Socialist Republic of Britain we're not allowed to vote on important things. That's left to our un-elected Prime Minister cos 'he knows best'.

Still, 'Tractor Production' is up again I see so we'll all be OK.

Alan , Torquay,

Great news for the Irish and all Europeans.

Thank you, Ireland!

MM, Heidelberg, Germany

Forget for the moment that the hundreds of pages of the treaty may be arcane and incomprehensible. Isn't it the Irish, then, who recognized the real issue is in the ramrodding approach of its affiliated 26 governments to deny the vote to the people and to leave the outcome to parlimentarians?

Peter, New York, USA

Better that 3 million Irish citizens speak for 500 million, than a small number of ministers from the 26 member states. God bless the Irish.

Robert, Floral Park NY, USA

At least the Irish were allowed to vote, not like the Brits or the French for rthis "mini" treaty. True democracy is maybe not ideal for most country leaders because people might go against their wishes and not do as they are told.

Cath, Lyon, France

Does ANYONE really want this Treaty, apart from the (self-interested) EU bureaucrats and politicians that is? It's time they stopped trying to talk, direct and regulate themselves into a more influential role, and let democracy prevail.

Philippa, London,

It's not a Treaty: it's a Submission of Surrender. Get out of the Eurabian Union or, by January, 2009, when the European Arrest Warrant comes into effect, people will be arrested and charged with the 'crimes' of 'racism, xenophobia and Islamophobia.' (Being patriotic & criticising Islam: VERBOTEN)

Susanna, london,

When are this government going realise like Ireland they do not have the support of the majority of people. We do not want to be ruled by Europe, and the current expenses disclosure is the tip of the iceburg.
Give the people of the UK a vote, and lets pull out now.

Martin Staffs

Martin Harrison, Blythe Bridge, UK

the irish electorate is less than 3 million people
only 48% of them bothered to vote less than 1.5 million
52% of the voters voted NO ! less than 800,000 people

if those 800,000 had voted yes your headlines would proclaim
Great Victory For EU !

in fact its all meaningless propaganda

john regan, london, UK

Bravo to the Irish people. But how long can they hold out once the unelected bullies start threatening them again. They have given the UK the oppertunity to press again for a referendum of our own. They have drawn a line in the sand and said "Enough".. I for one salute them

Anthony Bowen, London,

The EU is developing into an anti-Democratic monster that seeks to impose centralised rule.

Having once been a fan of the EU, I am now dead set against it and believe that Britain should pull out.

Why oh why does Westminster wish to surrender British sovereignty to faceless Bureaucrats ?

Joe McT, Glasgow,

Kamila - In what way have your freedoms been encroached upon by Europe?

Poland's economy is on the up and your country will host the Euro's in 2012. What are you moaning about??

Kevin Donegan, London,

Thank you Ireland, you've voted for all the people in Europe that didn't get a say...

Bernard de Witt, Amsterdam , Holland

The EU, above all else, needs to become fully democratic so the people feel they have a say in who runs Europe. A new constitution which created the office of a permanent, elected President who then appointed the Commission with the approval of the Parliament would have the best chance of success.

Peter Ryder, Middlewich, UK

As an Irish voter, I'm embarrassed that we voted no. Not because there aren't valid reasons for a no vote but because the vast majority of the Irish electorate seems to have voted based on ignorance and fear provoked by a dirty no campaign. People were just too lazy to make a real informed decision

GMM, Dublin,

Pip it can and it will,because Ireland represent the feelings of all europeans.The marxists are in trouble now .Thank God.

Robert, Derby,

This was never about the treaty - its about democracy. Fantastic - well done Ireland, you made the choice that most of us would have....If we had been given the opportunity!

John Merrell, London,

Thank god for the Irish, at least they have what we have not had, democracy. Gorgie stole the PM ship and then stole our vote on europe. When will politicians realise we are just as if not a lot more intelligent than them. Who is it who makes the money for them to clain on expenses!

james, southampton,

WELL DONE TO THE PEOPLE IRELAND.

A clear demonstration why the control freaks who make up the EU parliament did not want the people of Europe to have their say on this new Constitution. We must get a more EU skeptic government into power quickly and start returning power to sovereign countries.

D Case, Newquay,

I will be at a UKIP meeting tomorrow, so a 'no' vote will be a great cause for celebration for all in attendance. I will probably donate some more money to We Are Change Ireland as a token of our thanks. I wish we could see what the unelected European Commission elite are doing right now!

KS, Fife, Scotland

WELL DONE TO THE PEOPLE OF IRELAND.

A clear demonstration why the control freaks who make up the EU parliament did not want the people of Europe to have their say on this new Constitution. We must get a more EU skeptic government into power quickly and start returning power to sovereign countries

D Case, Newquay,

Dear Irish People,

Thank You! Thank You!! Thank You!!!

What a shame that the rulers in Poland so eagerly voted 'yes'. Luckily, you saved us. We don't need Central European Marxists to lead us from cradle to grave to the brave new world of 2084. We need less EU Commision rules but more freedom.

Kamila, Warsaw, Poland

Thank you, Irish!

Matej, Ružomberok, Slovakia

Does anyone really think a 'no' vote in Ireland will make the slightest difference?. On a previous EU referendum they voted 'no' and were 'ordered' to vote again. Similarly France and Holland voted 'No', did it make any difference, of course not. The EU juggernaut cannot be stopped by a few votors.

pip, Croydon, uk

If itis a "NO" vote then hooray fro the Irish.
Brown should reflect on his false promise to the British people

Peter Baker, Worthing, England

there will be no treaty of lisbon because the word lisbon will be crossed out and the word paris written over it in green crayon.

the story here is not that ireland is voting no, but that only ireland got to vote.

the eu needs clarity and brevity to get broad support for a smaller project.

jem, london, uk