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Many eurosceptics expected on Friday the 2nd of October that the referendum would be passed. They expected it to be passed with a whimper of submission, a reluctant approval by an electorate that had been "bullied" by Brussels bureaucrats into voting again. They were right about the result, but very wrong about the scale and the sentiment of it. One million, two hundred and fourteen thousand, two hundred and sixty eight Irish citizens came out to vote Yes that day, a greater number than has ever voted in favour of a European treaty in the history of our country. The turnout of 59% was the highest of any European referendum since the vote on our accession to the EEC in 1972. The scale of the Yes vote, at over 67%, was higher than even the most optimistic pro-Lisbon campaigners had hoped.

As the results came in on the Saturday, it became clear that this was far from a whimper of submission, it was a roar of approval. It was an endorsement of our place as an outward looking, progressive society. It was a rejection of the fringe forces who would drag us back to conservative nationalism, to an introverted and cynical Ireland that we left behind when we took our place in Europe in 1973. Above all else, it was a recognition that, as a small country on the edge of a continent, our future, both economically and socially, is inextricably linked to that of our neighbours, and working with them is the best way to make that future a confident, prosperous and just one.

A week on from the result, as the nation's politics returns to scandal, strikes and special interests, it becomes all the more impressive that, on one issue, there could be such agreement from such diverse groups. From every mainstream political party to businesses, unions, farmers, civic groups, students, and even a few bloggers, the nation came together to send out a clear message that, despite our other disagreements, the vast majority of us can agree on; we see ourselves at the heart of Europe, and we're proud to be there.