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The "no" vote from Ireland on the Lisbon Treaty has delivered a serious blow to the future of the European Union (EU).
Because there has to be a unanimous vote from all 27 members of the EU, it means the Lisbon Treaty is dead, much in the same manner as the Treaty of Rome when it was rejected by France and the Netherlands. With the resounding Irish "no" vote it now raises questions about the continued integration and expansion of the EU.
For some time there have been proponents advocating a two-tier EU, some even think a three-tier EU would be more feasible.
The reasoning behind such a structure is based on the economic strength and stability of a country; the more powerful nations effectively going their own way, and the "lower ranks" following along as best they can.
Hints of this happening are already there, as impoverished East European nations recently made EU members, and future ones, are likely to receive fewer handouts (rebates and grants) than established nations.
Ireland's condemnation of the Lisbon Treaty not only puts at risk the prospects of European integration, but also the question of whether the EU should be held to ransom by three million Irish.
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