Sarkozy in retreat over demand for fresh vote
Taoiseach Brian Cowen embraces French President Nicolas Sarkozy during a news conference at Government Buildings yesterday
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FRENCH President Nicolas Sarkozy yesterday significantly backed off on his demand for a second Irish referendum on the Lisbon Treaty.
Mr Sarkozy toned down his rhetoric as he embarked on a charm offensive, targeting both 'Yes' and 'No' campaigners during his flying visit to Dublin.
However, he again emphasised the importance of arriving at some sort of solution before next year's European elections.
Softening his hardline stance, Mr Sarkozy said he did not "want to push you into anything".
He also indicated he was willing to get additional assurances for Ireland on the contentious issues of tax, abortion and neutrality. The president privately told campaigners the Lisbon Treaty crisis will not be solved during the French presidency of the EU.
He is looking to devise a "formula" to overcome the Irish 'No' vote, but does not expect the issue to be resolved before he is replaced as president of the EU in December.
Mr Sarkozy defended his trip to Ireland and his recent comments about the need to hold a second Irish referendum on Lisbon, which infuriated Taoiseach Brian Cowen and groups on both sides of the debate.
"What was expected of the European President, that I should stand by listless?" he said.
"To come to Ireland to meddle, not to come would be indifference. What would you the Irish press rather? Meddling or indifference?" he added.
But Mr Sarkozy also reiterated there was no 'magic' solution to the problem facing Ireland.
"We don't have a magical solution that can be imposed by the way of a magic wand," he said.
He sternly denied he had said there must be a second referendum.
"I never said there had to be a referendum. I didn't say on what question there would be a vote and I did not in any way meddle in Irish domestic affairs.
"There is no reason to be angry when saying to people that on a given question, which is yet to be determined and within a given timeframe, you will have to be consulted."
Isolation
Mr Sarkozy said he understood the Irish situation, as the French found themselves "in isolation".
Taoiseach Brian Cowen said Ireland needed patience and understanding from our partners over the coming months as the Government completes its consultation process.
"I will fight to make sure we move ahead as a family if 27 and nobody is left behind," he said.
Government officials were relieved with the way the visit had gone as Mr Sarkozy had not inflamed the situation further.
Mr Sarkozy was also thought to have understood the anger he caused by his comments last week over a second vote.
"We're very happy, and we're happy he listened," a government source said.
- Fionnan Sheahan, Aine Kerr and Michael Brennan
