Paris - French right-wing extremist Jean-Marie Le Pen on Friday saluted the Irish rejection of the Lisbon Treaty, calling it a "magnificent victory."

"This evening we are all Irish," the founder of the anti-immigration National Front said in a statement as the results of the Irish referendum on the treaty became evident.

"Once again, the valorous Irish have demonstrated that when the people express themselves directly, they... will defend their national interests," said Le Pen, a fierce opponent of the European Union, which he has consistently accused of reducing France's sovereignty.

His party "salutes the magnificent victory of the Irish people, who have rejected the Lisbin Treaty despite pressure, threats and blackmail of all kinds," Le Pen said. (dpa)