Is there any reason why I shouldn’t vote yes again this time round?

The European Union has consistently opposed the death penalty in all circumstances and its Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms contains the following provision:

“1. Everyone has the right to life.

2. No one shall be condemned to the death penalty, or executed.”

The Referendum Commission is an independent body set under statute to give the public balanced and informed analysis on Constitutional Amendment. Their website on the Lisbon Treaty referendum is at http://www.lisbontreaty2008.ie.

Although you will be voting in “principle” to an amendment of which the EU is wise too following the rejection of the first vote, it will appeal more to the first round “No” voters as your “concerns” will be addressed.

What you are being presented is more of a glossy version which appeals specifically to you the Irish voter.

The treaty is exactly the same and although quite a read I suggest you look through the smoke and mirrors for it is quite scary and far from representative let alone “democratic”.

The European Union has consistently opposed the death penalty in all circumstances and its Charter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms contains the following provision:

“1. Everyone has the right to life.

2. No one shall be condemned to the death penalty, or executed.”

The Referendum Commission are an independent body set under statute to give the electorate balanced and informed analysis on Constitutional Amendment. Their website on the Lisbon Treaty is here.

however… here they are:

I can’t vote on an Irish Referendum because I don’t hold an Irish passport, although I could if I went through the application process.. I’ve been living in Dublin 8 years, and Belfast & Northern Ireland before that.

So the first time the treaty was discussed not one politician gave me a clear outline of what the treaty was about.
I read the pamphlet and I read a section which said that in certain circumstance the death penalty was permissible. I’m a pacifist. So I fundamentally disagree with this.
Therefore I’d vote no.

My MAIN contention with this treaty though is that it still hasn’t been clearly outlined what exactly it means. And this example is just another piece of misinformation that the politicians are spouting.

Do I have too high expectations? I expect that the leaders of this country to be honest & have integrity, I also expect them to provide accurate information to the people of Ireland so that they can make informed choices about legislation which effects their country. (I know, I know you can stop laughing now at the riduculousness of my expectations!)

I am very close to going on a rant and listing all the things I hate about politics in Ireland, but I will contain myself…

If the reason behind bringing it to the people a second time is due to the misinformation then this hasn’t been addressed.
If it is to change the treaty- this also hasn’t been addressed.

Therefore, in twitter speak I’d class this as a #fail monumental- and a double one at that!

And please don’t get me started with how they’re mis-managing the economy!!!!!

Also agree that, from what I understand of it, the changes do not make this a treaty now worth voting Yes to. I will be voting No again.

Unfortunately I think, as Evert also alludes to, many may now be scaremongered into voting yes.