Ireland votes in Lisbon referendum

Dublin- Ireland goes to the polls today in the Lisbon Treaty referendum which will have far-reaching implications for the future of the European Union.

The controversial document, which has already been approved by 17 member states, is due to come into force by January 1, 2009.Ireland is the only EU country holding a referendum on the treaty because it has to amend its national constitution in order to ratify its provisions. Pro-treaty groups say acceptance will streamline EU decision-making and keep Ireland at the centre of influence in Europe.

However, its opponents warned during the divisive campaign that the charter was flawed and anti-democratic and urged the Irish government to renegotiate a better deal. Many Irish voters are confused by the complex 287-page charter and as many as one third of the electorate was still undecided up to last week. The treaty and six years of negotiating work will almost certainly collapse if the referendum is rejected by voters. “The legal position is that if Ireland says No, then the document falls,” said international referendums expert, Professor Matt Qvortrup of the Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen.

Ireland has gained billions of euro in EU subsidies since it joined the bloc alongside Britain and Denmark in 1973. The state’s independent Referendum Commission called for a high turnout and the sunny weather forecast is likely to encourage voter participation between 7am and 10pm. In a last-minute plea to the electorate, European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso said: “The Treaty of Lisbon will enable the European Union to be stronger and better equipped to serve its citizens in the face of today’s global challenges.”Taoiseach Brian Cowen warned that future generations would not thank Irish voters if they halted EU progress.“This treaty will decide whether or not our country stays true to its positive approach to the European Union or takes a new and uncertain route,” he said.However, anti-treaty frontman, businessman Declan Ganley countered: “No good reasons for a Yes vote have been given in this campaign. I hope, and I firmly believe, that the Irish people will vote No.”Islands off Ireland’s west coast have already cast their votes due to concerns over inclement weather.Results from 43 constituencies will be relayed to the national count centre in Dublin Castle and a final verdict is expected by 6pm tomorrow.