People are rejecting these treaties as a protest against the EU & what it stands for. Corruption, waste & inefficiency. Astonishing, the politicians of all countries can not see this when it is so obvious to everyone else. Our politicians have become so insular, they just don't listen to the public.

ray borge, leominster, england

Alberto, your country is in economic turmoil because your interest rate is controlled in Frankfurt. Who wants to hand over control to unelected presidents and a foreign minister, we certainly do not and we voted accordingly. Why do other governments in the EU not let the people have their say ?

Patrick Cusack, Limerick, Ireland

"The solution is simple" says Signor Rocco.
The Lisbon Treaty is not.
It is convoluted, couched in legalese, perhaps designed to obfuscate certain unpalatable facts, such as tax harmonisation and federalisation?
A simple solution is a simple, short, itemised document, in easily understood language.

MR. MYLES STANISTREET, NERAC, FRANCE 47

Thats not the way this will work I'm afraid Alberto. And I dont think Italy can talk to much about their pro-European credntials given the mutterings relating to pulling out from the Euro.
What will happen, is the Treaty will be amended, & possibly made more clear to the layman. Then voted on again

Sean , Dublin,

to alberto rocco,
the solution is simple:give every countries' citizens the right to vote on this i.e. a referendum

james, doncaster, uk

In a properly functioning democracy, the first reaction to the defeat of a referendum would be to accept and understand the result, and the concerns of those who voted no.
Instead, the reaction is how can we still ram this through?

Brian McDermott, Dublin, Ireland

Gosh, have the Irish paraphrased a former British monarch? 'We are not intimidated' God bless Ireland

david , london,

After Italy's union in 19th century it was said: Italy is made, now we have to make Italian people. Now we have an economic Union: what about European people?!

Mauro, Turin, Italy

To Alberto Rocco and Pascal-Pierre, heaven forbid that people be forced to go along with something just because everybody else is. That isn't democracy - that's fascism, and the EU isn't fascist. This makes it unwieldy, but it means that everybody's opinion matters.

Mat, Brighton,

Bravo Ireland! and thanks... We would probably have had a NO also if only the question had been asked to us. But our politicians in france knew it and were too afraid.. So, I am glad you have more democracy than us and were able to express your opinion. Glad also you made the right choice!!!

Alcea, caen, France

The Irish look at the totalitarian USA and say "no way". Bravo Ireland!

mystic, ne wyork city,

Like many - I signed up for trade deregulation within Europe. Not to change my nationality, nor to pay profilgate politicians to puff out hot air and create absurd regulations that strangle European business competitiveness.

A common market - not a USE(United Staes of Europe)

Richard, Bucharest,

Thank you, Irish people !

Now, all together for an EU of peace, cooperation and union.

Domino, Paris,

Well done Ireland.

Roger Sherrin, Nairobi, Kenya

For legislation which is as important as the Treaty all EU member states should hold a referendum ON THE SAME DAY. This is the only truly democratic solution.

Sue Adams, Monsegur, France

Well done Ireland.

Roger Sherrin, Nairobi, Kenya

I agree with Alberto Rocco, form a new union of those that want to be a US of Europe, and Britain outside. As long as he agrees that the billions of Euros the UK now donates to prop up the "european social model" and the 70% of EU fish within the UK territorial waters stay out with us.

Ian Bannen, Oxford, UK

Way to go Ireland!!! You make me proud today. Britian, France, Italy, Germany, I challange you to put this treaty before the people.
You call yourselves Democracies. Prove it, and place this treaty before the people and see if they go as Ireland did.

Charles, Austin, Tx, USA

Stand Proud Ireland.
Today you wrecked the plans of Brussels despots.
Those of us denied a referendum by our dishonest governments are grateful.
Your wisdom has saved our democracy and our liberty.
Thank You

Peter, Wells, UK

I am an emigrant from Portugal. My country has shamed me twice: by not asking me if I agreed with the handing over of 800 years of fights for independence and individual rights; and by stamping the name of our capital in this ignominious document.
I owe my freedom to Ireland; for the time being...

Goncalo Rocha, Hämeenlinna, Finland

Alberto - Italy

I didn't accept the new treaty in the UK. It was forced upon me by a government too scared to ask the people if they agreed with giving up powers to the EU as they knew they'd lose.

I am insulted you think the UK accepts it when we weren't consulted.

Guy, London, UK

It was Ireland... Have it been done in other countries we would have seen many more "no's".
Ireland gave us an example of real democracy, congratulations IRELAND.

José Schwab Capella, Cascais, Portugal

I like Alberto Rocco of Italy's comments (below). Every time a nation objects to something, the rest of the Union throws them out and moves on regardless, until there is only one nation left in. Then we can have 28 separate European Unions, and there will be no more arguments.

Steve, Altrincham,

I do agree with Alberti Rocco. The "no states" will stay out of the New union...the others will move ahead regardless of whom stays out!!!! Forza Europa! Vive l'Europe! Es Lebe Europa!

pascal-pierre, Brittany, EU (France)

Alberto Rocco: The EU agreements require that all member states accept the new Constitution/Treaty - or it cannot be enacted. Member countries will be breaking the EU's own rules if they do what you suggest.

Donna Walker, Effingham, England

Ireland has been exposed to more information about the treaty, both positive and negative, than I would guess the huge majority of EU citizens have. The Treaty obviously has merits and pitfalls but surely for something this important, all countries should have a referendum before passing comment!

Michael Baker, Naas, Ireland

Well done Ireland, but which politicians will listen? If you are a politician reading this...... Please abandon this treaty /constitution idea and do not rename it and re-present it yet again

David, Paris, France

The solution is simple: those who had accepted the new treaty will enter into the new Union. Ireland will remain out. Why should we have troubles if every country but Ireland have not sign the Treaty?
They will take their own responsabilities. That'a all!

Alberto Rocco, Crema , Italy

Good for Ireland! What we in the USA have learned is that any power given away is never given back. The UN has proved that to us and our own post 9-11 growth in our state security. Lord help you if through mismanagement the whole EU collapes and brings down every country with it. What safeguards?

william, Atlanta, USA