France look likely to turn down EU Constitution

THE likelihood of Europe agreeing the new constitution took a turn for the worse yesterday with the French being the latest to join the no camp according to a poll.

Up to now Britain looked the most likely to vote no, though Poland and the Czech Republic have been giving cause for concern.

Negotiated by elected politicians from all the member states over a two year period, it is proving very divisive in France.

Voting is on May 29 but a major campaign for a no vote is yielding results according to a survey by the CSA Institute in Paris.

This shows 52% intend to vote no and 49% yes, while a massive 53% of the electorate say they will abstain.

One of the issues leading the French to say no is the debate over the Services Directive which is part of Commissioner Charlie McCreevy's portfolio.

Under massive pressure from the French and Germans, the commission has agreed to water down the original proposals which would see a single market for services from hairdressers to insurance.

Now EC President Jose Manuel Barroso has accused the French President, Jacques Chirac, of hyping opposition to it and fuelling euro-scepticism.

Much of the French press and unions have been critical towards the directive, fearing that it will hit jobs by allowing cheaper labour from elsewhere in the EU to undercut them.

Nine countries are planning to hold referenda on the constitution which must be agreed to by all 25 member states before it can come into force.

Spain is the only country to have held a public plebiscite. The vast majority were in favour, but an analysis of the results showed a huge lack of interest.

This holds important lessons for the other countries, Margot Walstrom, European Commission vice president warned.

According to the latest Euro barometer survey Ireland had the biggest percentage of people 42% who said they did not have enough information about the treaty.

Ms Walstrom said, "Much more needs to be done to mobilise young people to interest them in European issues. Sufficient information is a key to convince people to go out and vote."

The Irish referendum is expected around October.