Ahern hails 'historic' result

European barriers are coming to an end with Ireland's decision to endorse the Nice Treaty, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern claimed today.

As the referendum on European Union expansion was set to be carried comfortably, Mr Ahern hailed the electorate for taking the "historic" step.

“Enlargement will overcome the division of Europe and for the first time secure the freedom and prosperity of the nations belonging to the European Union,” he said.

Although counting has yet to be finalised, polls are showing that the final vote will be in favour of accepting another 10 countries into the EU at the second time of asking.

Mr Ahern insisted the electorate had held high “the banner of freedom” by coming down in favour of the accord.

“Yesterday’s positive decision by the Irish people is an emphatic Yes to enlargement and a warm Irish welcome to our fellow Europeans from central and eastern Europe and the Mediterranean islands,” he said.

“We look forward to working with them from 2004 as new friends and partners in the European Union".

Mr Ahern was speaking at Fianna Fáil annual Wolf Tone Commemoration at the republican graveyard slot in Bodenstown, County Kildare.

He insisted that the electorate’s decision was a restatement of Ireland's determination to stay at the heart of European enterprise.

“We have examined more closely the euro-sceptic option and rejected it,” he said.

“When we joined the EEC as it was then we took a different path from Britain and Denmark. We decided to be active contributors.

“We have never wanted to be a part of the upward squad”.

Mr Ahern claimed Ireland was the perfect example of the benefits EU membership can bring.

He added: “We have demonstrated that, with freedom and as part of a peaceful European order based on equal partnership and the rule of law, smaller and less-developed countries can flourish”.