As you say, it is the European Union rather than Ireland that would face a nasty crisis if the upcoming Irish referendum shot down the Lisbon treaty (“Whistling in the Dark,” May 10, 2008). This would be the end of talks about a new president and a strengthened foreign policy envoy for the Union. As you point out, the Lisbon treaty is already Plan B after the French and Dutch referenda that shot down the bungled constitution. It is time for the Union to consider Plan C, however, which would focus on a terse and frank document putting an end to the Union’s federal ambitions. Better management of the club surely requires solid legal foundations, but the pipedream of the United States of Europe should be put to rest once and for all.