Cowen hopes unpopularity will not hamper yes vote

TAOISEACH Brian Cowen has downplayed suggestions that Fianna Fáil’s massive unpopularity will affect how people vote in the Lisbon Treaty referendum.

A poll published last week showed the party at an all-time low of just 17%, with the Taoiseach’s own approval ratings at just 15%.

That has led to fears among the Yes campaign that the electorate might again reject the treaty in protest at the Government.