How ‘soft’ is no vote’s underbelly?

BY midday tomorrow, Brian Cowen will have an idea of where the vote is going. By 5pm, he should know for sure. He will then be able to begin celebrating, or prepare to explain to his fellow European leaders just where it went so hideously wrong.

Next Thursday, Mr Cowen is scheduled to attend the European Council meeting in Brussels. It will prove one of the most awkward events of his political career should Ireland vote no today.

His will be an anxious wait, but should not be a long one. The count begins at 9am tomorrow, and the main political parties will have tallymen in every constituency to report what way the ballot is going.