Treaty's backers have made a mistake, warns Ganley

Irish voters have made a mistake by apparently backing the Lisbon Treaty, Libertas leader Declan Ganley claimed today.

The millionaire businessman, who spearheaded defeat last year, accused the Government of running a dishonest, though "masterful" campaign but said he respected the result of the people.

Also on the 'No' side, Sinn Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald said there is some evidence of disillusionment that people were asked to vote again on the treaty.

She also said that the 'Yes' side’s argument that a 'Yes' vote would support an economic recovery won out, even though that argument amounted to a "dishonourable" claim.

Mr Ganley, who dramatically re-entered the Lisbon referendum fight three weeks from polling day despite vowing to stay away, said voters had vested their trust in the political establishment.

“I’d like to say it was inspired by hope but I fear that it was not, but I respect the outcome, I respect the result and the people have spoken,” he said at the Dublin count centre.

“Of course I’m disappointed. I think that we’ve made a mistake.”

The vigorous 'No' activist hit out at the 'Yes' camp and said he was sceptical of guarantees secured by the Government on tax, neutrality, family values and the right to life and the number of European Commissioners.

“We had a dishonest 'Yes' campaign – and I’m not going to be gracious about it because it doesn’t deserve a gracious response – focused on jobs and economic recovery,” he continued.

“Let’s see in a year from now whether these things prove to be the case.”

Mr Ganley denied he entered the campaign too late to make an impact, claiming Libertas was outspent at least 10 to one.

He also praised the Taoiseach Brian Cowen, who ignored challenges from Mr Ganley to a public debate on Lisbon, for running a "masterful" campaign.

He said the apparent scale of the win was an endorsement of his position as Taoiseach.

“He fought, from a political standpoint, a phenomenal campaign,” the businessman said. “This is a very convincing win, it is a mandate of sorts, and I wish him the best of luck.”