EU President Nikolas Sarkozy has taken a rather more moderate tone on Ireland's 'No' vote during his visit to Dublin than expected, promising not to try to force Irish voters into anything. Whilst this approach is more acceptable to the Irish people than thinly veiled threats, it does not alter the fact that the Lisbon Treaty is dead and President Sarkozy simply cannot accept this.
To continue the ratification process when the treaty has been rejected in a fair referendum is an unacceptable insult to democracy and can only add to the disillusionment and fear felt by so many voters across Europe. It will take more than a charm offensive by the European President to reassure people. We need to know that our concerns are being heard.
