Government hopes of securing a yes vote in the looming EU referendum were dealt a double blow as a major trade union came out against the fiscal compact treaty, and it emerged more than half of voters have little or no idea what they are meant to be deciding on.

THE presidency is Sean Gallagher’s to lose after three polls in 24 hours confirmed the Independent candidate holds a double-digit lead over Labour’s Michael D Higgins.

SHOPPERS convinced they are being fleeced in rip-off Ireland are fleeing to discount stores Aldi and Lidl as Dunnes, SuperValu and Superquinn lose market share, research to be published this evening indicates.