If Cowen had any sense, he'd have categorically ruled out a government collapse...

hatrickpatrick

...in the event of a no.

IIRC, when asked if he'd hold a general election or if the government would collapse in the event of a no, he wouldn't answer, saying only "I refuse to contemplate / accept the possibility of a no vote so I'm not going to discuss it" or something along those lines.

Had he categorically denied it, he would have at least made a very good effort at dissuading the angry voters who don't care about Europe but want to see the government fall from voting no - a group which we are now led to believe is a bit larger than previously expected:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5h-1agCYjA3nBHEcN_X3_wLv3EQgQ

I personally really hope the treaty is not rejected or accepted for any reason other than the treaty itself, but once again I have to say that the government has done a very poor job at preventing this scenario...

Max Power1

the treaty referendum shouldnt have anything to do with national government. Both the government and the opposition are pushing a yes vote.