Cowen calls for 'yes' vote for trade

The Minister for Foreign Affairs says that a "yes" vote in the Nice referendum is essential if we are to safeguard jobs and foreign investment here.

In addition, Mr Cowen is also rubbishing reports that a secret deal was signed between himself and Bertie Ahern over leadership of the Fianna Fail party.

Mr Cowen says that 175,000 jobs here depend on our trade in Europe and a "yes" vote is needed to protect them.

He insisted that a "yes" vote was also needed to keep confidence in our business community from foreign investors in general.