“Lack of information, knowledge, understanding, treaty too complex..”

The Republic of Ireland’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Micheál Martin, has published the Millward Brown IMS Post Lisbon Treaty Referendum Research Findings [pdf file]

The key (spontaneous) factor behind the No vote was a lack of understanding of the Treaty, which is mentioned by 45% of No voters. Indeed, 65% of Soft No voters cite this reason, clearly indicating that lack of knowledge was the deciding issue in the campaign.

That’s a damning verdict on the government’s ‘Yes’ campaign. And, in particular, Fianna Fáil’s low spending on it. RTÉ report here. And from the Millward Brown IMS report – Base: All Who Voted No on June 12th

Any mention of information, knowledge, understanding 45 %

Lack of information, knowledge, understanding, treaty too complex – 42 %

Not sure of opinion so voted no – 3 %

Reasons for voting No – Base: All Who Voted No on June 12th

Any mention of information, knowledge, understanding 45 %

Lack of information, knowledge, understanding, treaty too complex – 42 %

Not sure of opinion so voted no – 3 %

Any mention of issues attributed to Lisbon – 26 %

Lisbon treaty a bad deal, bad for Ireland – 8 %

Loss of/diminution of Irish neutrality – 5 %

Loss of Irish Commissioner on rotating basis – 4 %

Any mention of attitudes to referendum process – 20 %

Didn’t have confidence in Government/they were secretive and cagey –failed to provide information and arguments – 6 %

Didn’t like being told how to vote without agreements beinggiven/being bullied & pushed into voting yes – 4 %

Not convinced by Yes arguments – 3 %

Any mention of loss of power/independence/identity – 16 %

Loss of power, domination by large countries,dictated to by other countries – 13 %

Loss of/threat to Ireland’s Independence – 3 %

Any mention of aspects of European integration. – 6 %

Pete Baker