The implications of a further rejection of the Nice Treaty in a second referendum have been spelt out in the bluntest terms so far by the European Commission president, Mr Romano Prodi. He told a news conference in Dublin yesterday that in such an event, the treaty would be aborted: "Nice falls. Stop."
At the same time the credibility of the national forum on Europe, a key element in the Government's strategy for persuad ng the electorate to accept the treaty, appeared to be in some jeopardy. Anti-Nice campaigners warned of a possible boycott unless they were given equal status with treaty supporters.
The Green MEP for Leinster, Ms Nuala Ahern, said: "We need equality and parity of esteem for the No campaign and those representing the voice of the No people."
The Sinn Fein TD, Mr Caoimhghin O Caolain, said there had been a lack of consultation with anti-Nice parties and independents and a decision on participation would be withheld "until we actually see the detail of the proposition".
Meanwhile, Mr Prodi told The Irish Times that the neutrality protocol sought by elements of the No campaign such as the Peace and Neutrality Alliance was a matter for the member-states and not the Commission. He insisted that neutrality had "nothing to do with Nice". At a public lecture later at University College Cork, he said he wanted to make one thing clear.
"There is no intention of turning the Rapid Reaction Force into an EU army." It was intended to restore peace and order in conflict situations. The deployment of Irish troops will be the result of sovereign decisions taken on a case-by-case basis here in Ireland."
Asked what changes could be offered before the Nice Treaty was put to the people in a second referendum, he said: "This is a premature message. Let's say that we have 18 months for ratification."
Earlier in the day, groups which had campaigned for a No vote emerged in angry mood from a meeting in Dublin with Mr Prodi. However their anger was directed, not at the Commission president, but at the Government.
The Green MEP for Dublin, Ms Patricia McKenna, told a news conference: "The biggest problem it seems from today's meeting is the fact that the Irish Government are our biggest stumbling block.
"If the Irish Government had said, `Hold on, we can't ratify this', then other countries wouldn't be forging ahead with the ratification process, so really it's our own Government that's our biggest enemy at this stage."
Holding a copy of the Constitution, the Independent MEP Ms Dana Rosemary Scallon said: "We do not have a democratic system. We do not have a democratic and sovereign right to say No, because our own government isn't recognising it."
Mr Justin Barrett of the No to Nice Campaign said the Government had acted "in an antidemocratic way in continuing to talk about the Nice Treaty as something which must be done, in spite of the fact that the Irish people have rejected it".
The Minister for Defence, Mr Smith, said during a military exercise at the Curragh yesterday: "Ireland will only participate with the Rapid Reaction Force where those missions are United Nations-mandated." There was no question of joining NATO or a European army.
The business and employers' organisation, IBEC, also met Mr Prodi. Afterwards its director, Mr Turlough O'Sullivan, said: "When any institution looks as if it is trying to assume more powers than are necessary, then we should not be surprised if the people deliver a kick back."