The Irish are not for sale (3)

What a relief to read Minister Tonio Borg's remarks on the outcome of the Irish referendum (June 17). It makes a change to see someone still wanting to "play by the rules".

It was worrying enough hearing many including Simon Busutill, who in the past had nothing but praise for the Irish, talk in the manner they did, i.e. suggesting that regardless of the Irish verdict the Lisbon agenda should go through.

At least Ireland had the decency to consult its electorate, unlike the many other countries including Malta who just ratified it through Parliament. Perhaps most governments are realising that what is passed through Parliament is not necessarily what the citizens want, hence why consult?

Let's hope we do not see the scandal we saw with the previous defeat Ireland produced when it voted against the Nice Treaty. What democracy is it when such a rejection is not accepted and a second referendum held, ensuring it does go through the second time round?

As Minister Borg said, "As a small member state, we (Malta) must insist on this as unanimity is the guarantee provided by the EU so that small and medium-sized countries can safeguard their interests".