Cowen sets out four key issues to be addressed before second Lisbon vote

TAOISEACH Brian Cowen set out four issues where Irish voters would need reassurance before being asked to vote on the Lisbon treaty a second time, during the summit with EU colleagues in Brussels.

He said that, by December, he hopes to let them know what action the Government will take in relation to the treaty that cannot be ratified until passed by all 27 states.

The issues of most concern to voters, Mr Cowen said, were the composition of the Commission; issues related to defence and our tradition of neutrality; social/ethical matters; and taxation.