Cowen cautiously optimistic over Lisbon vote

Taoiseach Brian Cowen was today cautiously optimistic of a pro-Lisbon Treaty win as voters took to the polls across the country.

Turnout in the crucial vote averaged 21% in Dublin mid-afternoon, while rainy weather was blamed for low numbers at the polls in western regions.

In his home county of Offaly in the Midlands, Mr Cowen appealed for voters to get out and make their voices heard, urging the electorate to think of the country’s future.

“It’s an important day for the country and an important referendum and I hope that people will take the opportunity to go out and cast their vote,” the Taoiseach said.

“The people’s decision is sovereign and of course that will be the case but I’m hopeful that in the context of today ... we’ll have a good outcome.”

For the second time in 18 months some three million Irish are being asked to decide the fate of almost 500 million citizens across the European Union.

During last year’s referendum it was expected large numbers taking to the polls would boost the yes side, but despite more than half of all voters coming out, the no camp clinched it 53.4% to 46.6%.

Mr Cowen said it was critical that people exercised their right to vote.

“I’d ask everybody, we all have rights and obligations as citizens, one of our rights that should be cherished by everyone is our right to vote.”

Polling stations opened at 7am and close at 10pm.

Turnout was reported as being low outside the capital.

President Mary McAleese was among the first to cast her ballot at St Mary’s Hospital in Phoenix Park, close to Aras an Uachtarain.

Results will be relayed to the national count centre in Dublin Castle tomorrow and a final verdict is expected by late afternoon.

Although activists are not allowed to campaign close to polling stations, groups for and against the controversial charter have been making frenetic last ditch appeals in towns and cities across the state.

Pro-treaty campaigners claim the complex charter will keep Ireland at the heart of the union at a time when it most needs it.

But No activists insist the document has not changed, that it is undemocratic and a bad deal for Ireland and Europe.

Opinion polls showed the Yes side pull ahead over the summer months, but the pro-treaty camp fear a growing anti-Government voice could rear its head at the ballot box.

If the treaty is rejected again then the European Union would be plunged into an institutional crisis, sounding the death-knell for legislation painstakingly crafted through years of negotiation.

Ireland’s main political parties have temporarily shelved their rivalries to campaign for the Yes vote. Sinn Féin is the only party opposing the treaty.