Paris tried on Friday to put a brave face on Ireland’s rejection of the Lisbon treaty, which threatens to derail France’s six-month presidency of the European Union beginning in July.

“Personally, I am distraught,” said Jean-Pierre Jouyet, Europe minister. “We have to take note of the Irish people’s decision and respect it while regretting it.” He said EU leaders would wait until the Brussels summit next week “to talk with the Irish prime minister to see how, on the institutional side, we can get things moving again in the hope that the ratification process can continue”.