Europe fears decision will open ‘a Pandora’s box’

Ireland’s decision to hold a referendum was greeted with disbelief and dread in the EU among politicians and public servants, with the greatest fear being that it will open a Pandora’s box of other countries seeking a vote also.

Fears were voiced by some of the possible impact on Ireland’s economy and that it was unlikely that Germany in particular would agree to a deal over the Anglo promissory notes before the vote.

Officially, the only response from the EU was that each country must ratify the treaty according to its own rules.