Yes camp confident of Nice result
Yes campaigners are hoping for a turnout of at least 45% to ensure the vote is carried. Almost three million people are entitled to vote, with polling stations open from 9am to 9pm. A result is expected at tea-time tomorrow.
The first referendum, in June 2001, was defeated by 54% to 46%, with a turnout of just under 35%.
Recent opinion polls have indicated the second ballot will be passed comfortably. However, complacency is a major concern for the Yes camp.
Results from the seven constituencies where electronic voting is being used will be available in the early hours of tomorrow morning, giving an early indication of the overall trend.
Foreign Affairs Minister Brian Cowen yesterday reiterated the Government’s view that Ireland’s reputation and standing would be seriously damaged if the referendum was defeated.
Saying No to Nice would be regarded as a perverse rejection by Ireland of a fair and reasonable deal, Mr Cowen said.
The Nice Treaty provided the legal terms for countries to join the European Union, he added.
But No campaigners remained hopeful the referendum would still be defeated.
The Green Party urged voters to resist the Government’s attack on democracy by coming out in force and voting No.
Sinn Féin has called on voters to hold the Government and the EU accountable by voting No.
Peace and Neutrality Alliance chairman Roger Cole said his feeling was that voters would not change their minds from last year. The expected higher turnout would not necessarily guarantee a Yes victory, the veteran campaigner said.
“If you ask the same question you get the same answer. I think we are going to win and I think we will scrape through,” he said.
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny said a Yes vote was a vote for both the country’s future and our children’s future.
Labour leader Ruairí Quinn called for a maximum possible turnout in anticipation of a Yes result. “A low poll threatens to give a result that is not an accurate reflection of public opinion in the country,” he said.
Signalling the enormous international interest in the outcome, around 350 journalists from 25 countries have applied to the Department of the Environment for accreditation at the count centre.
