Brussels, 19/06/2008 (Agence Europe) - Mary Lou McDonald, MEP and President of Sinn Féin, the biggest Irish political party opposed to the Lisbon Treaty, held a press conference in Brussels on Thursday 19 June 2008 to explain why the Irish had voted no and to discuss the future of the EU's Lisbon Treaty. “The Lisbon Treaty is over,” she said, adding: “The people have spoken. They have said no, and they mean no.” Defence issues impacting on Ireland's neutrality, access to the European Commission for the Irish people (whether there is an Irish commissioner) and the weight given to small countries were also reasons for the no vote, she explained, noting that “they do want a treaty that protects vital services.” “We want a treaty based on protection of workers. We advocate a social Europe. We are a pro-European country but we need to have the good European treaty.” French GUE/NGL MEP Francis Wurtz, who had been invited to the press conference, said it was the ivory tower syndrome which had caused so much damage with its lack of communication, and the democratic deficit that were largely responsible for the outcome of the Irish referendum. (A.D.D./transl.fl)