Comments on: “The Democratic Deficit Begins at Home” http://www.irishelection.com/2008/06/the-democratic-deficit-begins-at-home/ Coverage of Irish Politics, News and Current Affairs Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:43:54 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.5 By: Cian http://www.irishelection.com/2008/06/the-democratic-deficit-begins-at-home/comment-page-1/#comment-66278 Cian Sun, 15 Jun 2008 13:55:33 +0000 http://www.irishelection.com/?p=3227#comment-66278 Ralf, I am not sure what the irish leadership has been authorised to do. There is a consensus among voters who voted yes and no that there should be no Nice style re-run of the referendum. It depends on how many were voting no because of tax worries. If that was a substantial number then getting agreement to take the CCCTB off the table might allow for passing of Lisbon. Europe was only part of the reason for a no vote, though I suspect that the consolidation and the worry of "state like functions" was a large worry for the irish. We are still a very nationalist country with low levels of self-description as EU/IRish citizens. Perhaps this vote might be seen, as the Dutch and French as a demand to "slow down" "slow the pace of integration or expansion" and allow for a real breathing space. TO be honest I think Sarko's presidential plans were no help either. Too much in there to disquiet sceptical voters. Ralf, I am not sure what the irish leadership has been authorised to do. There is a consensus among voters who voted yes and no that there should be no Nice style re-run of the referendum. It depends on how many were voting no because of tax worries. If that was a substantial number then getting agreement to take the CCCTB off the table might allow for passing of Lisbon.

Europe was only part of the reason for a no vote, though I suspect that the consolidation and the worry of “state like functions” was a large worry for the irish. We are still a very nationalist country with low levels of self-description as EU/IRish citizens. Perhaps this vote might be seen, as the Dutch and French as a demand to “slow down” “slow the pace of integration or expansion” and allow for a real breathing space. TO be honest I think Sarko’s presidential plans were no help either. Too much in there to disquiet sceptical voters.

]]> By: Ralf Grahn http://www.irishelection.com/2008/06/the-democratic-deficit-begins-at-home/comment-page-1/#comment-66233 Ralf Grahn Sun, 15 Jun 2008 08:28:54 +0000 http://www.irishelection.com/?p=3227#comment-66233 What is the Irish political leadership authorised to play for in Europe, having been dealt a red card? What is the Irish political leadership authorised to play for in Europe, having been dealt a red card?

]]> By: Cian http://www.irishelection.com/2008/06/the-democratic-deficit-begins-at-home/comment-page-1/#comment-66182 Cian Sun, 15 Jun 2008 00:36:48 +0000 http://www.irishelection.com/?p=3227#comment-66182 Yes, Simon, that's an interisting contradiction. But it's very much so like how the treaty talks of increasing democracy, but only Ireland has allowed it's people to vote on it. The version of democracy those in power - both in Europe and indeed in Ireland - talk about is of a limited kind. Over the past year or so I've heard a number of Irish TDs saying there are 'democratic republicans'. I'd prefer if they were more focused on the former part. Unfortunately, the key part - and often the only part - of democracy they think about is "how do I get re-elected again?". Yes, Simon, that’s an interisting contradiction. But it’s very much so like how the treaty talks of increasing democracy, but only Ireland has allowed it’s people to vote on it.

The version of democracy those in power – both in Europe and indeed in Ireland – talk about is of a limited kind.

Over the past year or so I’ve heard a number of Irish TDs saying there are ‘democratic republicans’. I’d prefer if they were more focused on the former part. Unfortunately, the key part – and often the only part – of democracy they think about is “how do I get re-elected again?”.

]]> By: simon http://www.irishelection.com/2008/06/the-democratic-deficit-begins-at-home/comment-page-1/#comment-66169 simon Sat, 14 Jun 2008 23:17:18 +0000 http://www.irishelection.com/?p=3227#comment-66169 Another interesting point is that while parties on the left like to talk about giving local councils to bring power closer to the people. They also advocate sending power further away from the people. It is an interesting contradication Another interesting point is that while parties on the left like to talk about giving local councils to bring power closer to the people. They also advocate sending power further away from the people. It is an interesting contradication

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