Former president says Ireland Nice vote not needed

A former French President has signalled that European enlargement may go ahead even if Ireland vote no for the Nice Treaty.

President Mr Valery Giscard D'Estaing says he thinks the EU can cope if Ireland votes no.

The former French President maintained however that there could be difficulties.

The second Referendum on the Nice treaty is expected this autumn.

If European enlargement goes ahead, the union will grow from 15 to 27 nations.