A quote from The Irish Times, 16 July 2008

French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s declaration that Ireland will have to hold a second referendum on the Lisbon Treaty has caused quiet fury within the Government, just days before he visits Ireland. […] Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin told RTÉ the Government received “subsequent clarification” that Mr Sarkozy “is coming to listen and not to impose a solution”. Mr Sarkozy was “entitled to his point of view”, Mr Martin said, but he stressed “no option has been decided upon... the bottom line is it’s up to Ireland to decide”. […]

A key question is what text Mr Sarkozy wants the Irish to vote on – the treaty as it is, or with appended declarations to calm Irish fears. “We don’t yet have the information we need from the Irish authorities, who at the same time want to take their time, see how serious things are and know they have to hurry a little,” said the adviser at the Élysée. “Should people be asked to re-vote on the same text, or should there be certain statements about things like neutrality, the commission, abortion... It’s too soon to say.”

In Washington, meanwhile, Declan Ganley, the leader of Libertas, one of the leading organisations in the No campaign, said it would be ridiculous and anti-democtatic to have a second Lisbon Treaty referendum but if one was called, he predicted an even larger No vote rejection. He said that Libertas was raising funds across Europe and was considering turning next year’s European Parliament elections into a pan EU proxy vote on the Treaty.