Constituencies predicting a majority 'Yes' vote

The result of the Nice Treaty referendum is expected to emerge by around 6pm.

Counting of ballot papers is continuing at 35 polling centres around the country, most of which are reporting a majority 'Yes' vote.

Although 60% of voters are expected to vote 'Yes', former Taoiseach John Bruton said the rest of Europe is holding its breath for the final result.

"People are watching, have been watching this country with very close eyes with great anxiety, fearing that we might do something that would be damaging to the reunification of Europe," he said.

"I'm glad that we have not. I'm glad that we are supporting the reunification of Europe in a very definitive way."