According to the EU, all 27 member states must ratify this treaty before it can come into effect, however the rejection by the plucky Irish does not mean the end of this treaty:
The vision of an EU Superstate has been planned for more than 50 years. Do you really believe that one tiny nation off the European mainland will derail this insidious political project?
This is why ultimately the EU will collapse, because it has neither the consent nor support, of not only the British people, but millions of others who live in the mainland nations of Europe, because like Britain, they too have been denied the opportunity to have their views known and their voices heard in a referendum.
However, Gordon Brown continues full speed ahead like the captain of the Titanic heading towards the inevitable disaster that is certain to follow, despite the earlier promises of holding a referendum, he now insists that we don't need one and that we will not be getting one. Hubris comes before a fall.
Will Heyes, Gantley Avenue,Billinge

Credit to youth where its due
As is usual I have read your letters page regularly and over the last few weeks have noticed due to the increase in gun and knife crime a larger than average amount of letters regarding youth of today.
Many of these letters were in my opinion correct in what they were saying about no respect and certain parents not bothered.
But I always believe that you do not tar everyone with the same brush. There are good and bad in any way of life.
Children should never have been allowed to stop being punished in school it taught them what respect was all about. It also taught them wrong and right, something many do not seem to know today.
However, on Saturday June 14, I saw the other side of today's youth, the good side .
Whilst driving up Darlington Street I was waved at by a few children with a banner saying charity car wash. I turned into the street to ask them where it was and what it was for and was told that it was being organised by WCVYS workers Matt and Amy along with St Patrick's ARLFC youth club volunteer Tracy Dougherty.
There were more than 30 children giving up their time (10am to 4pm) to raise money for a toddler in the town who needs medical help and besides having a great day out the children raised well over £130.
I think they deserve a mention in the paper and also a big hand for showing that some kids do care and show respect.
Well done to Wigan CVYS and also to St Patrick's ARLFC youth club section for this very caring fundraiser.
Name and address supplied.

Shouldn't pay to lose weight
What a silly idea it is, offering to pay someone to lose weight. And yet someone is already thinking of doing just that, according to the Tonight programme I have just watched on ITV.
I have a weight problem and admit to it being my own fault. I know exaclty what will happen as soon as the wrong food is put in my mouth.
My youngest daughter has had the same problem from the age of 21. After many years of being bullied and taunted by youths in the street she decided to do something about it.
She started by walking the dog, cutting out sweets and late night suppers.
As the weight started to fall she felt better and started to sleep better.
To date, she has lost at least three stone.
All this talk about having a fat gene is a cop out.
Mrs Maria Huges, address supplied