Gilmore slams Sarkozy comments as 'unhelpful'

The Labour party leader Eamon Gilmore has criticised the French President Nicolas Sarkozy for saying that Ireland needs to hold a second referendum on the Lisbon Treaty.

Mr Gilmore described Mr Sarkozy's comments as ‘unhelpful’.

He said it will not be possible for President Sarkozy to get a full understanding of why Ireland rejected Lisbon during a six hour visit next week.

Deputy Gilmore said the Government must insist that Ireland's decision on the treaty is respected.