Both camps continue Nice campaign

Both sides have been stepping up their campaigns ahead of Thursday's

referendum on the Nice Treaty.

The former Progressive Democrat leader Des O'Malley has asked if voters really want to slap down the people of Central and Eastern Europe by voting no.

He said such a move would be patronising.

However on the no side the ATGWU leader Mick O'Reilly has argued that ratification of Nice would lead to a massive increase in defence spending.

He argued that increases in defence spending already outstrip the rises in the education and health budgets.

Voting will take place on Thursday.

However, with broadcast coverage due to end 24 hours before the opening of the polling stations the campaigns are vigorously attempting to make their final points.