But it seems difficult to understand. Ireland has received a lot of money from Europe, and perhaps that might be one reason, among others, of the wealthy Irish economy.

Ireland has received €56 billion in structural funding from the EU since 1973.

I guess we all agree regarding this point. It is a lot of money, so IMO we must give something in exchange in order to be fair.

Ireland is the second richest country in Europe due, among other reasons, to a special tax system, that has forced many entreprise to move to Ireland because of these benefits on taxes.......I'm not Irish and I don't know how things are going over there, but I'm Spanish and I know for sure what Europe has given us and what we've done with that economic and fiscal aid. My country is better than what it used to be.We've received a lot of money too and our country has grown better in infraestructures, but now we are 27 countries and it's our turn to help others in Europe who are in a worst position than we are.

I mean, since Google set its Europe headquater in Ireland, the US internet company has saved 100 million $...

Do ut des


Saludos

I don't now.

My point is that as long you will ask a certain population to vote, there will be a high chance of "No".
Irish voted because they knew that they were splitted over this topic hence the negative turnout.

Democracy is not following leaders, it's about trusting them for what they do.
And if these leaders say "we must ratify this treaty", you assume that they are right because you know their political program, the promises they have made before being elected and their political color. And more importantly because you choosed them.
If you voted for them, it's not to vote again to go against their decisions.

And the leaders know that if they don't take decision in the interest of the population, they won't rule on the next term.
The problem with a referendum is that the said leaders will follow a decision taken by the population which can be the wrong one but when the negative effect of this decision will surface, the leaders will take the blame.
It's also a sign of weakness, lack of decision taking power.