Czech President accuses EU leaders of restricting democracy

The Czech President has accused EU leaders of restricting democracy over the manner in which they have handled Ireland's rejection of the Lisbon treaty.

Vaclav Klaus – who is next in line to take over the rotating EU Presidency - believes the treaty will not enhance freedom and democracy in Europe.

The President spent the last night of his visit to Ireland meeting Declan Ganley, the head of anti-Lisbon group Libertas.

Both men denied that the meeting breached the protocol of a state visit.

President Klaus said he is not happy with how Ireland has been treated for voting no to Lisbon.