Treaty expert says Yes vote not in Ireland’s interests

Well-known former Danish MEP Jens Peter Bonde said today that a Yes vote in the Lisbon Treaty referendum would not be in Ireland's interests.

Mr Bonde has written a book outlining what he says is a readable version of the treaty, which will be put to a referendum in Ireland on June 12.

He says it would allow bigger EU member states to vote against the smaller countries on policies such as agriculture, trade, foreign investment and corporation tax.

Mr Bonde also says EU politicians will try to reintroduce the treaty with some concessions if the Irish electorate decides to vote No.