More than Lisbon needs to be rerun

EVER since the Lisbon Treaty referendum was defeated, the Government has been buttering us up so we can be made to vote again on the same treaty.

The pantomime of reflection, consultation, surveys and analysis led quickly to tough negotiations, the accommodation of our European partners and “binding reassurances”.

All of this has been nothing but a charade that the views of the people were being taken into account. In fact, a flagrant disregard for democracy and a rerun of the referendum was always on the agenda.

After a dismal, ill-conceived and inept budget the Government has finally revealed the extent of its contempt for the people by asking us to vote again. If they have any shred of honour left they could rerun the last general election at the same time as the rerun of the treaty referendum.

That should ensure the largest voter turnout in the history of the state!

Hendrick Verwey

Old Church

Cobh

Co Cork