Some have criticised the decision to hold a second Irish vote for a couple of reasons.

The Irish Protestant vote has not been studied nearly as much.

He had won the election thanks to the Irish vote.

The Irish vote will probably not derail the process, but it could make it much more difficult.

And what will he do if the Irish vote for Lisbon?

This is why we cannot disregard the outcome of the Irish vote but must give it our utmost attention.

It can be called into play, irrespective of whether the Irish vote 'yes' or 'no'.

So we must not ignore the Irish vote; we should build upon it.

It is right and proper to respect the Irish vote.