Is a Second Referendum Appropriate in Order to Allow Ireland to Ratify the Treaty of Lisbon?

Abstract:     
A renewed effort to secure ratification of the Lisbon Treaty is now being considered in Irish Government circles, in an effort to avoid the serious potential political and economic consequences for Ireland of continued non-ratification. This paper asks which means of securing such ratification of the Lisbon Treaty are legally and politically appropriate. Should ratification be attempted only if popular approval can be secured in a fresh referendum? Or should the Government follow the suggestion that a referendum be dispensed with to whatever extent is legally possible, and replaced by parliamentary approval? Such questions involve both legal and political issues.

Keywords: Treaty of Lisbon, Ireland, ratification

Working Paper Series