WAY FORWARD:MINISTER FOR Health and former PD leader Mary Harney said yesterday she hoped other EU countries would not proceed with the ratification of the treaty as that would leave the Republic completely isolated.
Speaking to reporters in Dublin, she said: "Clearly the Government has to engage at diplomatic level, at legal level and particularly at political level with our colleagues in other EU countries to find a way forward and, hopefully, we can find a way forward together.
"I would hate to see Ireland isolated on its own in the EU."
Meanwhile, Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan yesterday moved to reassure foreign multinationals that despite the referendum result Ireland "remains fully committed to the European Union ideals".
Mr Lenihan said the Government had already begun a "constructive dialogue" with other member states about how Ireland could continue to be a "fully committed member of the EU".
Speaking at the opening of an IBM research centre into water management, he said the Yes campaign had consistently acknowledged the importance of EU membership in attracting foreign direct investment to Ireland.
"I want to reassure you all that the result of the referendum will have no effect on our commitment to and participation in the internal market."