The Lisbon treaty - This time focus on the real issues

WE HAVE an unfortunate, unenviable record on referendums. Not because we voted in any particular way, or that we rejected or endorsed any one proposition over another, but rather that we allowed all sorts of irrelevant issues to take centre stage during pre-poll debates.

These emotional red herrings are our version of a minor skirmish in the culture wars that have divided America for much of the past two decades. Sadly, just as in America, they have caused bitter and lasting division in this small, interdependent country.

Just as it is embarrassing to be reminded of some of the extreme and inaccurate slogans designed to intimidate during the divorce referendums all those years ago, it is difficult now to review the debate that preceded the Lisbon vote last summer without being worried by the arrogance and presumption of too many of those who advocated accepting the treaty.