Brussels, 23/06/2008 (Agence Europe) - A Eurobarometer survey, conducted between 13-15 June at the request of the European Commission reveals that the reasons for the Irish “No” vote on the Lisbon Treaty are many and various, and, at least in part, somewhat abstract. Most of those who voted against the new treaty (22%) said that they had done so because they “did not know enough about it”. 12% said they had voted against the treaty “to protect Irish identity”. Safeguarding Irish neutrality in security and defence matters (6%), the loss of the Irish commissioner in every Commission (6%) and the desire to protect the Irish tax system against European decisions (also 6%) were also reasons put forward for rejecting the Lisbon Treaty. Only 5% voted against the treaty because they were against a “unified Europe”. 4% wanted to protest against their government's policies and a further 4% voted as they did because “large member states decide on EU matters”. Curiously, 3% say they voted against the treaty to “protect the influence of small states”. 1% said they feared an “influx of immigrants”. The full results of the survey are available in English at http: //ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/ (H.B./transl.rt)