Lisbon Treaty campaign to reach peak today

The Lisbon Treaty campaign is expected to reach a peak today as voters prepare to go to the polls in 48 hours.

A media blitz is expected to get underway, with broadcasters legally obliged to avoid mention of the central issues from midnight tonight.

Yesterday, the leaders of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Labour joined forces to press for a 'yes' vote, saying it would be in the interests of the Irish people and the Irish economy.

This is contested by the anti-Lisbon group Libertas and other commentators, who are continuing to insist that the treaty poses a threat to Ireland's low corporation tax rate.

Opinion polls suggest the outcome of the referendum is too close to call.