EU in turmoil as Ireland votes No to Lisbon Treaty

The future of the European Union was tonight clouded in uncertainty after Ireland voted No to the Lisbon Treaty.

Jose Manuel Barroso, European Commission President, and a raft of foreign ministers expressed dismay that Ireland - the only member state to hold a referendum on the matter - chose to reject it decisively by 53.4 per cent to 46.6 per cent.

Amid wild cheers from No campaigners, the results were revealed at 5pm with 862,415 votes against and 752,451 in favour, giving a majority of 109,964 against.

Despite the result, EU leaders were tonight vowing to press ahead with ratifying the treaty.

Times Online