Europe awaits Ireland's decision on Lisbon

European eyes will be on Ireland tomorrow as some three million people cast their votes on the crucial Lisbon Treaty referendum re-run.

For the second time in almost 18 months, Irish citizens are being asked to determine the fate of around 500 million people across the EU.

Pro and anti-treaty activists have been making frenetic final appeals to voters in a last-ditch effort to woo undecideds.

Ireland is the only EU country holding a referendum on the treaty because it has to amend its national constitution to ratify its provisions.

Voting stations in 43 constituencies across the country will open at 7am and not close until 10pm to allow workers plenty of opportunity to cast their ballots.

Pro and anti-treaty activists hoping to squeeze in some last-minute electioneering at polling booths will be out of luck as canvassing is banned at the voting stations.

Campaigners will not be allowed to put up posters or distribute leaflets.

Voters will be given a white polling card asking if they approve or disapprove of amending the constitution ratifying the controversial charter.

An X is to be placed inside the Yes or No box.

Residents on offshore islands in counties Donegal, Galway and Clare have already cast their ballots as polls opened on Tuesday and Wednesday.

After polls close, the ballot boxes will be sent to counting centres across the country and at 9am on Saturday the tally begins.

After each count is completed, the local returning officer will inform the referendum returning officer in Dublin Castle, where details of constituency results will be announced.

A final national result is expected to be officially announced in Dublin Castle by mid-afternoon.