The latest figures show that unemployment in Ireland hit 200,000 for the first time since 1999, which makes up 5.4 percent of the workforce. With the credit crunch, soaring food and oil prices, people in Ireland become more vulnerable and skeptical about any intangible changes that might result from EU reforms.

It is no wonder therefore, the Sinn Fein has urged the government to renegotiate with the EU on the treaty, for more opt-outs or vetoes on issues such as foreign policies, public services and workers' rights.

Analysts believe that Ireland's "No" vote, indeed again a setback for the EU, is definitely not the end to the EU integration. The most likely option for the EU might be to tinker with the treaty and ask Ireland to vote again.

After all, Ireland had voted twice in their referendums to get the Nice Treaty ratified in 2001. And the "No" vote to the EU constitution by France and the Netherlands in 2005 had led to a new Lisbon Treaty.

On the other hand, the "No" vote could trigger deep reflection for EU governments on how to better engage their people in the profound reforms of the expanded bloc, analysts say.

(Xinhua News Agency June 15, 2008)