Govt 'not trying to delay treaty decisions'

The Government is not trying to delay any decisions on the Lisbon Treaty to avoid a backlash at the local and European Elections, it was claimed today.

Foreign Affairs Minister Micheal Martin denied it was dithering on options such as whether to hold a second referendum.

Mr Martin today launched the first scientific study of why the controversial charter was rejected by 53% to 47% by the electorate on June 13.

“It is premature at this point to be prescriptive about the future of Ireland’s relationship with Europe,” said Mr Martin.

He added: “It’s not a question of dithering. There are a variety of options open to us and we haven’t decided on any particular route.”

The Government will now begin analysing the Millward Brown/IMS study and the Taoiseach will use it to report to the crunch European Council summit next month.

The study findings, which cost more than €160,000 to compile, held face-to-face interviews with 2,101 people in July and also assembled 12 diverse focus groups to glean more precise information.

It reiterated suspicions that the main reason for people voting 'No' was a lack of knowledge, information or understanding of the issues.

“There can be little doubt that this emerged as the primary reason for people voting No,” the 45-page study said.

Other issues like the loss of a Commissioner, conscription, abortion, corporation tax and neutrality also discouraged voters.

The data also found a total of 59% of 25-34 year olds voted No, alongside 53% of women.

Other opposition came from 61% of Labour supporters and 53% of Green Party members.

Mr Martin said there was too much jargon surrounding the EU.

He plans to consult the Minister for Education and the European Commission about streamlining more information about the EU onto the primary and secondary curricula.

He added: “We must avoid crash courses on the EU whenever there is a referendum.”

“The Yes side didn’t manage to explain the Treaty’s importance to Ireland,” he explained. “It is clear that we didn’t succeed in effectively communicating that message.”

He also said there was still a need for a political debate and the Oireachtas must take a central role.

The Millward Brown/IMS study found that 70% of respondents still believe that EU membership is good for Ireland.

“The divisive referendum has not shaken Ireland’s belief in the Union,” said Mr Martin.

He added: “I recognise there are lessons here for the political system. People clearly expected to be provided with clear information when we ask them to vote in referendums.

“We need to address people’s concerns as we move forward. I hope that informed debate about Ireland’s future role in the EU can go a long way towards reassuring people about the important issues now at stake for us.”