SPAIN: There has been mixed reaction to the result of Spain's referendum on the European constitutional treaty, with EU leaders generally welcoming the 76 per cent of Yes votes, while others focused on the turnout of 42 per cent. Deaglán de Bréadún reports from Madrid
Spanish Prime MinisterJosé Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, who staked his reputation on the outcome, invited other EU member-states "to follow Spain's path".
"Europe won, the EU constitution won, Spain won," he insisted.
But the opposition Popular Party, which also supported a Yes vote, criticised the Prime Minister over the turnout.
"Mr Rodriguez Zapatero wanted to be the first in Europe. He wanted to be a model for the rest of the Europeans. He acted hastily and this turnout is not a model for anyone in Europe," said PP leader Mariano Rajoy.
While the turnout was above the generally acceptable minimum of 40 per cent, critics pointed out that it was still the lowest in the four referenda held since the death of Franco in 1975.
The turnout in Spain for last June's European Parliament elections was 45 per cent. Some Spaniards refused to vote on Sunday because the referendum was non-binding, with the formal decision to be taken by the Cortes, the Spanish parliament.
But EU foreign policy chief Mr Javier Solana said he was convinced the results would have "a positive impact" in other member-states.
"I'm delighted. It's a been a definite Yes with a better-than-expected turnout," he said.
French President Jacques Chirac, who spoke alongside Mr Zapatero during the campaign, congratulated the Prime Minister.
"This Yes from the Spanish people for the constitution and for Europe is a strong sign and shows the way to other countries," he said.
But French Foreign Minister Mr Michel Barnier said other European nations should learn a lesson from the turnout.
In Ireland, Minister of State for European Affairs Noel Treacy said, "I would like to extend my congratulations to the Spanish people as they join Lithuania, Hungary and Slovenia and become the fourth EU member-state to ratify the European Constitution." (The other three countries ratified the text in parliament.)
The terms of the constitution were agreed last June at a Brussels summit chaired by the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern. They have to be put before all 25 member-states for ratification.
Nine other EU members are planning referendums.
The date for Ireland's has not been announced but it is expected to be held in October.
Supporters of the document say it represents a necessary streamlining of EU law and institutions, while critics see it as a step towards a European superstate. France is due to vote on it in a referendum in May or June, and the UK vote is planned for early next year.
The Catholic Church in Spain took a carefully neutral stance in the referendum, which was seen in some quarters as reflecting disquiet over Mr Zapatero's liberal social agenda.