Word: ireland
(lookup in dictionary)
(lookup stats)
Dates: all
Sort By: most recent first
(reverse)
...Union operates by consensus, meaning major policy questions have to be approved by all 27 member states.) "I am really glad with the result," said European Commission President José Manuel Barroso. "The Irish people have spoken. They have said a resounding yes to Europe." (Watch TIME's video: "Ireland's Last Matchmaker...
...Selling the reforms has been difficult, even in a country as traditionally pro-European as Ireland, which has received an estimated $87 billion in E.U. funds since joining the union in 1973. Ireland represents less than 1% of the Union's half-billion total population, but it is the only member state to have asked its electorate to vote on the treaty. In June of last year, voters had rejected the document by a margin...
...legal guarantees on questions of neutrality, abortion laws and Irish tax rates, issues that had raised disquiet among Irish voters. The Yes campaign had also worked harder to explain the treaty, while well-known businessmen, such as Michael O'Leary of Ryanair and Jim O'Hara, boss of Intel Ireland, have added their voices in support...
...most voters, the biggest difference over the past 16 months has been the global economic crisis, which has hit Ireland particularly hard and ended the era of the 'Celtic Tiger'. Economic uncertainty helped persuade many voters that Europe offers a safe haven...
...economy," said engineering student Darren Atkins, 20, in Dublin. "When I see companies like Intel and Ryanair supporting the treaty, it makes me think that I should do the same." Pre-school teacher Isabel Costello, 54, said the downturn made the choice clearer. "These are difficult times for Ireland," she says. "But I think we're in a stronger position as part of the E.U. I'm not sure a small country like ours could survive on its own in the current climate...