PD TD says Irish vote on EU constitution would be pointless

Progressive Democrats TD Mae Sexton has criticised the Government's plans to press ahead with a referendum on the proposed EU constitution.

Ms Sexton, who is also a member of the Forum on Europe, said there was no point in holding a referendum in Ireland following the rejection of the constitution by France and the Netherlands.

Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern has also raised questions about Ireland's plans for a referendum.

The Government has insisted that the vote will go ahead, but speaking in New York last night, Mr Ahern said a decision would not be made until after a summit of EU leaders later this month.