Cowen: No vote is not a rejection of Europe

IRELAND’S rejection of the Lisbon treaty was not a rejection of Europe, said Taoiseach Brian Cowen.

While the result had created uncertainty, he believed Ireland’s future remained bound with Europe’s. Ireland could only tackle challenges such as cross-border crime, climate change and migration by working with its neighbours, he said.

Mr Cowen was speaking during a special Dáil debate on the fallout from the referendum result. Most of the day’s regular parliamentary business was dropped to allow the debate take place.