Dukes critical of referendum leaflet

The Independent Referendum Commission has rejected criticism from Fine Gael's Adam Dukes over its explanatory leaflet being sent to all households in the country.

Mr Dukes, the International Vice-Chairman of the European Movement, has criticised the leaflet which carries information on the three referenda to be held on June 7.

For those who support the Nice Treaty, they say it is about enlargement and creating extra markets for Irish exports.

Opponents say it is about reducing Irish power in the EU and it is about taking control of the European Rapid Reaction Force.

Alan Dukes took exception to the fact that the referendum leaflet made no reference to the process of enlargement and is fatally flawed.

The Commission said the constitutional amendment relating to Nice makes no reference to enlargement, but that enlargment will be referred to in later material.