In what can only be the yet another indication the the EU intends to ignore even the semblance of democratic norms when it does not suit them, whilst at the same time wrapping themselves in the cloak of legitimacy that the European ‘Parliament’ allegedly brings:
Günter Verheugen, enlargement Commissioner, said on Wednesday, that it would be difficult to interpret a second No by the Irish: “If a treaty is rejected twice in a country and that country knows exactly that this treaty is a precondition for the conclusions of enlargement negotiations, the outside world cannot make the judge whether the rejections means enlargement or something else.”
So if Ireland votes NO to EU enlargement, Günter Verheugen feels it might in fact mean something other than NO to enlargement. I suspect I understand the source of the misunderstanding: When translated by official EU translators from Irish accented English, into Greek and then into Danish and then back into English, the result was:
A pint of Guinness please
However when translated by official EU translators from Irish accented English, into German and then into Swedish and then back into English, the result was:
Top of the morning to you, Mrs. Murphy
Yet when translated by official EU translators from Irish accented English, into Portuguese and then into Italian and then back into English, the result was:
We are just a bunch of Paddy jokers, pay no attention to us
No wonder poor Günter Verheugen is confused as to the meaning of the word NO.
If at first the vote is NO, wait a little bit and then try another vote. Repeat until YES. At least, that is how it seems to be working locally (Austin, TX) with a proposed light rail project, and nationally (U.S.) with socialized medicine. Unfortunately, this strategy appears to only be effective at expanding government.
I just want to know what Herr Verheugen had to do to get himself the title of “Enlargement Commissioner”.
(sound of mind dropping into the gutter)
Sasha: LOL! I love it!
The poor Danes had to deal with this crap with Maastricht. They finally succumbed are not now best pleased about it. There are a few in the EU who are talking about booting Ireland out…because they are being such a pain in the arse. They should be so lucky!
The EU has never been a democratic institution as this second referendum clearly proves. The first result should have been enough, and if Bertie Ahern had any backbone he would have accepted the decision of his people and graciously shouldered the humiliation he and his co-politicians would have been forced to endure.
The truth is that the Nice Treaty is about a lot more than enlargement and everyone knows it. First, small countries like Ireland will lose significant voting power within the EU. Irish neutrality will also be compromised due to the EU’s Rapid Reaction Force. Recently, EU ministers issued reassured the Irish their neutrality would not be endangered, but this reassurance bears no legal force, so it is worthless.
At heart, the EU was created to be an economic bloc that was created to challenge the US for global superiority. It has since evolved into a political monstrosity that constantly gains more and more authority over each of its member countries. This Nice referendum is more than just a vote on enlargement or the passage of a treaty. It is a test of this new, non-democratic governing body’s power. I, for one, certainly hope Ireland votes NO once more.
If the Irish are in it for the trade and economic benefits rather than the political arrangement, wouldn’t they be better off joining NAFTA?
There is an American expression: What part of “NO” don’t you understand?
Okay. It’s time for the U.S. to put an end to this EU harassment of English-speaking countries. We’re annexing the Anglosphere. Australia, Britain, Canada (sans Quebec, which can start calling itself Canada), Ireland, New Zealand — you’re all coming with us.
Yes, Britain, that means giving up the pound, but we’ll replace Sacagawea with QEII on the dollar coin, okay?
Ireland, you get two states, one for the Republic and one for Northern Ireland. Play nice or else.
Scotland, Wales, New Zealand — one state each. Each Australian state and Canadian province gets statehood, too, except PEI gets lumped in with Nova Scotia. England, draw up ten or so states for yourselves.
Okay. *Now* let’s see how negotiations with the EU go.
From all I’ve read on this side of the pond, the Irish economy is kicking ass, and the other EU members are jealosy at their success. I think the Dail should take their cue from Groucho Marx’s: ” I would never want to be join a club that would have me as a member”
Point 1: The Irish are not voting on “EU enlargement”. They are voting on the Nice treaty. Even the No campaigners say they want enlargement.
Point 2: I’m a little disturbed to find myself agreeing with the “Fenian Rambl[er]” (at least partly). Ireland would not have to suffer damage for voting No if Bertie were man enough to defend Ireland’s decision and suggest a better approach to enlargement. If he had spent the last several months being a vocal champion of enlargement by better means, then the applicant countries would have less need to feel angry if Ireland votes No a second time.
If he had spent the last several months being a vocal champion of enlargement by better means…
There is no ‘better means’… if like me a person feels the EU is a toxic organisation, it is rather like suggesting a ‘better way to catch a cold’
Perry,
Do you agree with me that the 50 US states should be allowed to declare independence of the Federal Govt and each other?
Richard
Richard: They have the right to but I think that point was settled in 1865 to the contrary.