An EU survey sheds more light on the decisive “no” vote in Ireland’s referendum on the union’s Lisbon reform treaty.

The study shows that those who voted against did so because of; a lack of knowledge of the treaty; a desire to protect Irish identity and safeguard neutrality; a lack of trust in politicians; the potential loss of a permanent commissioner in Brussels and to protect the tax system.

The word “protection” stands out here. How deep is the European public’s suspicion that Brussels encroaches too far into everyday life?

Consider some of the European Commission’s recent events. There’s bread and butter work such as reporting on public finances and pursuing postal market liberalisation.

But then there are softer activities - such as efforts to increase children’s fruit and veg intake, measures highlighting diversity - which you’d think would be left solely to member states.

Is this institutional creep? Could Brussels spend its time better on other matters?

Voters can throw out their government if they feel that it has gone too far. Give them a referendum on an EU topic and they’re also likely to make plain their irritation with Brussels.