Yes camp claim initiative in Lisbon Treaty campaign

Pro Lisbon Treaty campaigners today welcomed a poll indicating two to one support for a yes vote in next month's referendum.

The survey showed that 35% of voters support ratification of the EU reform proposals with 18% intending to vote no, according to the survey conducted TNS/MRBI.

However the research indicated that 47% of the Irish electorate are still undecided ahead of the June 12 referendum.

Nevertheless, the poll suggests more people are beginning to make up their mind on controversial treaty.

A similar survey in January noted that 64% of people had not decided what way they were going to vote, with 26% intended to tick yes and 10% no.

The Irish Alliance for Europe today said today's poll, which was commissioned by the Irish Times, showed a clear momentum for the yes camp.

Alliance director Brendan Kiely said: "Today's results are positive and reflect what we have been hearing on the ground. There is still a lot of work to be done to get the message out there, but we are definitely beginning to see real movement.

"Our aim over the next four weeks is to use all the means at our disposal to inform people about the facts of this Treaty and ensure we have the highest possible turnout on June 12."

No campaigners have criticised the treaty, claiming it will give too much power to the EU and impinge on Ireland's neutrality and the ability to set our own corporation tax rate.

Ireland is the only EU member state that has opted to ratify the treaty through a public vote, with the rest using the parliamentary process.

"A yes vote on June 12 will lead to a more efficient, effective EU, better equipped to meet the challenges of the 21st Century," added Mr Kiely.

"It will also crucially lead to the enshrining into law of the Charter of Fundamental Rights for the first time. It is in the best interest of all the people of Ireland."

Earlier, Justice Minister Dermot Ahern said that the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty will make sure that the EU plays a stronger role in combating illegal drug importations and organised crime in Europe.

"We live in an internal market, comprising 27 countries and encompassing a population of over 500 million people," he said.

"EU Governments must work more closely together so that we can defeat criminal networks in Europe who are involved in paedophilia, the illegal trafficking of human beings, illegal drug importations, financial crime, cyber crime and organised crime.

"Crime networks are taking advantage of the internal market so that they can carry out their criminal operations.

"They engage in their criminal activities in one country, they launder their monies in another country and they purchase assets in a third country.

"That is why the European Union has had to develop stronger policies in the field of justice and home affairs."