Let's drink to the Irish
Fraser Nelson 4:52pm
Eight decades ago, Britain gave Ireland back her sovereignty. Today, it seems the people of that glorious country have returned the favour. It’s too soon to know for sure if the “no” vote has prevailed, but all indications appear so.
Yet again, the EU project has failed; unable to pass the tiniest bit of democracy from the European people. This tells you all you need to know about its true nature. There is something odious about a politicians’ project whose success depends on its ability to circumvent the people they purport to represent. For years their central deception has been encapsulated by the question: “do you want more powers to pass to the EU, or do you secretly hate foreigners?”
From Cyprus to Shetland, pints of the black stuff will be raised tonight by the tens of millions who did not want the renamed EU Constitution but were denied by their governments the chance to have a say. Of course, this will not be over. As after the French and Dutch referendums, they may change the name yet again. Like the Nice Treaty, the Irish will perhaps be asked for a second time and can dust down the posters saying “which part of ‘no’ don’t you understand?”
But for now, it’s time to raise a glass. We’ll be doing just that at our local, the Two Chairman in Old Queen Street, at 7pm if any CoffeeHousers want to join us.
Previous
Comments
C Powell
June 13th, 2008 5:07pmBritain didn't "give" Ireland her sovereignty. The Irish had to fight for it. No wonder they voted to keep it.
Cussed lot, the Irish, thank God.
Tim
June 13th, 2008 5:09pmThe EU should have bunged them a whole lot more of our money - It worked for Gordon and the DUP!
Ireland Rocks
June 13th, 2008 5:14pmGreat post Fraser! Thank God for the Irish.
Guido Fawkes
June 13th, 2008 5:19pmOur sovereignty is ours by right and not in the gift of anyone.
Tom Barry
June 13th, 2008 5:25pmFraser we had to fight for our sovreiginity and that is why we value it so much. Britain now needs to return the favor and stop all proceedings in the House of Lords to ratify it. Its dead.
Fraser Nelson
June 13th, 2008 5:28pmOkay, I hereby take it back - I kinda knew I'd get into trouble for "gift" word from nondoms like Guido.
mart
June 13th, 2008 5:33pmFraser, were you trying for understatement of the day?
"There is something odious about a politicians' project whose success depends on its ability to circumvent the people they purport to represent."
Enjoy your pint; the 80 miles or so would be too far to join you I'm afraid.
Austin Barry
June 13th, 2008 5:56pmI keep seeing something from EU apologists along these lines - this from the BBC: "Just over three million Irish voters are registered - in a European Union of 490 million people". The implication being that the tail is wagging the dog, but quite overlooking the fact that no other country was given the opportunity to vote. Still, great result: Éireann go Brách".
Fraser Nelson
June 13th, 2008 5:56pmWe'll have one for you, mart. Bliss it is to be alive this evening. Time for Dizzy to put his "Friday I'm In Love" video clip back up again. I can't find the link, Dizzy, go on...
Travis Bickle
June 13th, 2008 7:16pmCorbett (Labour MEP) spouting out the line that 26 countries have ratified the treaty, knowing full well that the people in most of these countries would gladly follow Ireland's lead.
This will all eventually end in "EUcivil" war as the arrogant politicians continue to press ahead completely ignoring most EU citizen's wishes , no wonder they were so keen on 42 days.
Tiberius
June 13th, 2008 7:27pmGlass already in hand up here in Shropshire, Fraser, watching England hammering New Zealand at Twenty 20, and celebrating the Great Gravy Train robbery.
Max Kaye
June 13th, 2008 9:18pmThank you Ireland for securing your - and our - freedom and independence, and for speaking for all us citizens of EU member states who have not given a voice by our own governments.
Slainte!
London Calling
June 13th, 2008 9:49pmEurope celebrates, my glass is full tonight and I am with you all...
Now that’s what I'm talking about... COME ON....
Daniel Hendy
June 13th, 2008 10:31pmit is dead, it is an Ex-Treaty (or, it should be considered as such now; Thank you ireland!)
Pete
June 13th, 2008 10:43pmAs a Scot, I am really envious of what the Irish achieved today.
If Labour are allowed to go ahead with ratification against the will of the UK public then I will definately vote SNP next time.
If we have to be part of the EU then I want more localised, and more clearly defined, control over my MP in the EU parliament.
Basically, UK politicians are becoming almost irrelevant.
Which begs my next question, why are we paying them so much?
Fergus Pickering
June 13th, 2008 11:41pmBut Pete, we don't have to be part of the EU. We don't have to do anything we don't want to do. Consider this. The Irish have voted to stuff their treaty. And what will happen? They will get to do what they like. Will there be any sanctions? No. Will the EU move against them in ANY way? No. So why don't we do just the same? Just tell them to stuff their treaty. And what willl happen to us? We will get to take the bits of Europe we want and leave the rest. If we dont like their laws we can just ignore tham. And what will happen o us? Nothing. The EU is a big fierce dog that barks like anything but it's GOT NO TEETH.
Faceless Bureaucrat
June 14th, 2008 12:45amFraser - sorry I cannot join you at the Two Chairmen in Old Queen Street, but I will be thoroughly 'Claret Enhanced' 50 yards up the road from you at the St. Stephen's Club in Queen Anne's Gate. Happy to share a Taxi though...
Tiberius
June 14th, 2008 9:05amDaniel H; or as Mr Barroso would say, "no it's not: it's pining for the fjords!"