Ahern won’t resign if Nice is defeated

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has said he will not resign if the Nice Treaty is rejected again this Saturday.

Speaking after a meeting with Danish Prime Minister Anders Rasmussen, Mr Ahern said all of his party’s energies will be focused on securing a "yes" vote in Saturday’s referendum.

Mr Rasmussen, meanwhile, claimed that the Nice Treaty is essential if EU enlargement is to progress on schedule.