Ganley: Fear of Irish people can be seen in vote

No campaigners are conceding defeat in the Lisbon Treaty referendum.

Several hours after boxes were opened, all indications show the Lisbon Treaty will be endorsed by the Irish people.

Conceding defeat, Libertas leader Declan Ganley said it was a masterful campaign by the 'Yes' side and an "overwhelming" endorsement of the treaty.

Mr Ganley however said: "The fear of the Irish people can be seen in the vote."

Sinn Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald said there is some evidence of disillusionment that people were asked to vote again on the treaty.

She also said that the 'Yes' side’s argument that a 'Yes' vote would support an economic recovery won out, even though that argument amounted to a "dishonourable" claim.