Fear of a No vote stifles EU initiatives

Author writes: 'If policy debates in core European Union areas such as agriculture, defence and taxation seem muted at present, look no further for the reason than Ireland’s June 12 referendum on the Lisbon reform treaty. EU governments and Brussels officials are playing down or delaying sensitive initiatives, particularly those of direct concern to Irish voters, in order to boost the chances of a Yes result.

ESO: Background information http://www.europeansources.info/record/eu-treaty-poll-test-for-irish-pm/

Deutsche Welle, 24.5.08: EU Commissioner: No Sane Person Would Read Lisbon Treaty http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,3357496,00.html

---