Sarkozy wants to 'understand' Ireland’s rejection of Lisbon
The French President has said he is coming to Ireland on Monday to understand the message that the Irish people wanted to convey by rejecting the Lisbon Treaty.
In an interview with the Irish Times, Nicolas Sarkozy says he was one of the first European leaders to say publicly that Ireland's decision should be respected.
He also rejected the idea that the other 26 member states can go ahead under the Lisbon Treaty without Ireland.
President Sarkozy caused controversy earlier this week when he said Ireland would have to hold a second referendum on Lisbon.
He is expected to meet representatives from both sides of the debate on his short trip to Dublin on Monday, though the meeting will not be held in public as originally scheduled.
