No vote for Nice seems clear

Following the declaration of referendum results from 10 of the country’s 41 constituencies, none had voted in favour of the Treaty of Nice.

Confirmation of the overall result was expected later this afternoon, but ahead of the announcement, Niall Andrews, a Fianna Fail party MEP, said it was clear the No vote had won.

A supporter of the treaty, he commented ‘‘It seems to be slipping away all over the country, and reflects, I suppose, an anxiety on the part of the Irish people. And we will have to reflect.’’

One of the most prominent opponents of the treaty, Joe Higgins, a Socialist Party member of the Dail, said: ‘‘It shows how out of touch the main parties are with the voters.’’