Ireland has voted overwhelmingly to ratify the European Union’s Lisbon Treaty which proposed revisions to the European constitution. The 67% "yes" vote was a welcome relief to the Irish government and to the EU; sixteen months ago, fearing a loss of sovereignty, Ireland had voted against the treaty.

But  negotiations–including written guarantees that the pact would not trump Ireland’s national policies in the areas of  the nation’s tax policy, military neutrality, ban on abortion and other issues–and major efforts in educating and informing the public about the treaty and the changes that had been made in Ireland’s favor won over the vast majority. Ireland also achieved the right to keep their own commissioner to the EU, a major point for the tiny nation.

The treaty would, among other things, create a full-time elected E.U. president who would serve for a 2 1/2 year term–currently the presidency rotated every six months between member states–and a secretary of state. The treaty will more closely link the the EU’s foreign policies and give the alliance new clout on the world stage.

Now only Poland and the Czech Republic need to ratify the treaty, though that will be done via those countries’ legislatures. Ireland is the only country in the EU which had a popular vote on the treaty. Both Poland and the Czech Republic are expected to vote yes on the treaty.

The vote was crucial for a united Europe and even more importantly for Ireland to indicate its desire to be  an active part of the EU. The Irish financial crisis no doubt played a part in the shift in attitudes, but the changes to the treaty and the united front made by all political parties to get the treaty passed cannot be underestimated.

The Taoiseach, Irish Prime Minister, Brian Cowen said:

The Irish people have spoken with a clear and resounding voice. This is a good day for Ireland, and it’s a good day for Europe. We as a nation have taken a decisive step for a stronger, fairer and better Ireland, and a stronger, fairer and better Europe.

The ratification paves the way for former British Prime Minister Tony Blair to be elected as the first full term president of the EU.