Focus on core Nice issues, urges Ahern

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern is confident the people will approve the Nice Treaty to support democracy, peace and stability in Europe.

He urged voters to look beyond "the gross distortion" being promoted during the campaign and concentrate on the fundamental issues.

Calling yesterday for a strong Yes vote, Mr Ahern said the public believed the treaty provided the only agreed mechanism to allow enlargement of the Community to proceed as planned. Uncertainty and delay would result if the people rejected the treaty, he said.