Opposition rejects Lisbon rerun with European elections

THE opposition will strongly oppose any move to hold a second Lisbon Treaty referendum on the same day as the local and European elections next summer.

The suggestion to hold all votes on the same day was made by French President Nicolas Sarkozy, during a private meeting with Taoiseach Brian Cowen, on Monday.

Mr Sarkozy also said that he hopes to present a proposal on the best way forward following the rejection of the treaty by Ireland, during the December meeting of EU leaders in Brussels.