Lisbon treaty - Referendum at risk from protest vote

TAOISEACH Brian Cowen returns from Brussels able to breathe a sigh of relief that guarantees about the Lisbon treaty’s impact on Ireland have been secured.

He had a job on his hands going there — not every country could convince 26 neighbours, each with their own interests and concerns, to put those of one small troublesome island first.

But if Mr Cowen allows himself to think the hard work is over, he will be badly mistaken. The treaty in substance has changed little — apart from the concession on retaining a commissioner for every member state — and it is debatable how big a turn-off the potential loss of Charlie McCreevy or his successor really was for the electorate.