Ireland has been warned it risks bringing the EU “to a halt” if it rejects the Lisbon Treaty in tomorrow’s crunch referendum. The Treaty is intended to streamline the EU’s institutions and Ireland is the only member state required by its constitution to hold a ballot.
Prime Minister Brian Cowen’s comments came as supporters and opponents made a final push for votes ahead of an eve-of-poll ban on campaigning: “As Taoiseach (Prime Minister), it is my deeply held belief that the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty is crucial to this country’s future prospects,” he said.
The “yes” campaign is backed by the government and almost all political parties. Gerry Adams from Sinn Fein is in the “No” corner, along with other groups concerned about Ireland’s sovereignty, employment rights and EU clout: “I mean this is about the future of this island, it’s about the future of the European Union and are you telling me that the Fianna Fail leadership, that the government are wilting violets on these issues,” was his view.
A negative outcome could scupper the Treaty, which replaces the draft constitution rejected by French and Dutch voters in 2005. Latest polls suggest the result rests on a knife edge, and may hinge on the level of turnout and decisions of undecided voters.
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