Polls show it’s all to play for

THE sigh of relief in Government circles was almost audible.

Last Friday, an opinion poll conducted by TNS mrbi showed opponents of the Lisbon treaty outstripping supporters. The nightmare scenario of a defeat in his first major test as Taoiseach was looming for Brian Cowen.

There was nothing the yes campaign could do but increase its canvassing effort and hope a second opinion poll, due yesterday, delivered better news.