Cowen gung-ho (almost) on Lisbon

03/09/09 17:03 CET

europa

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Ireland’s prime minister says the EU’s Lisbon reform Treaty is about “the survival of the country”.

Brian Cowen has just launched his campaign for a “Yes” in the second referendum on the treaty, on October 2, as his government’s popularity fell to a record low. He is focusing on Europe as a safe haven during recession. As for his own prospects, should the referendum fail, he said: “I don’t contemplate defeat. I honestly believe the people, taking acount of everything, will vote for this referendum, and we want to campaign on that basis.” Last year, Irish voters rejected ratifying the treaty, designed to streamline EU decision-making. After securing key policy guarantees, polls suggest a majority of people are in favour now. With the Czechs and Poles, the Irish are among the last to ratify the treaty.More about: European Union, Ireland

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Greek gathering fails to agree on bailout deal terms

Greece’s coalition party leaders have failed to agree on a tough reform and austerity package to secure a fresh bailout of 130-billion euros After seven hours of talks overnight, they came close to securing a deal to avoid a painful default…