Senior MEP issues warning to Irish over Lisbon referendum

Leading Socialist deputy Jo Leinen has warned that Ireland risks being relegated to a "second class" nation if it again rejects the stalled Lisbon treaty.

He accepts that the outcome of the second Irish referendum, expected in early October, is not "a given".

But Leinen, one of parliament's leading pro-Europeans, said the Irish must vote 'Yes' if they wish to continue to benefit from the "protective umbrella" the EU provides.

He said, "If there is a 'No' vote in Ireland I think we are likely to see a two-speed Europe emerge, with Ireland being in what might be called the 'second class'.

"Those in 'first class' will forge ahead in policy areas such as foreign affairs, justice and energy while the Irish will fall back."

Leinen, a constitutional expert, went on, "My message to the Irish is to mobilise an effective campaign, one which I would hope will be more successful than the last one.

"They have to ask themselves if they want to be isolated from the rest of the EU or to be integrated into the EU."

Irish premier Brian Cowen said on Tuesday he will announce the date for the second referendum in two weeks.

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