Cowen anxious to bring Lisbon vote forward

TAOISEACH Brian Cowen said he wants to progress the Lisbon treaty as quickly as possible and has not allowed himself to be anchored to an October date.

He said the timeframe was reliant on how soon European leaders could finalise guarantees promised at last December’s meeting.

Mr Cowen said he accepted the view that an early yes vote would help stabilise the economic turmoil.