'Yes' vote on course for victory in Lisbon Treaty referendum

Ireland was on course today to back the Lisbon Treaty with a resounding two-to-one majority for the 'Yes' campaign.

The first constituency to return a result, Tipperary South, declared 68% in favour as Ministers predicted the result would send a positive signal across Europe.

Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin was first to declare victory as one-by-one Lisbon opponents admitted a massive defeat.

“I’m delighted for the country. It looks like a convincing win for the 'Yes' side. It’s good for Ireland,” he said.

Results from the remaining 42 constituencies are expected to filter through quickly in the early afternoon with an official outcome to be announced in Dublin Castle before 5pm.

Voter turnout passed the 50% mark with tallies backing ministers’ assessments of a two-to-one majority in favour of the treaty.

Only one constituency, Donegal North-East, appeared close to a 'No' vote.

Experts were also predicting that the 'Yes' side could end up with a majority of more than 500,000 voters.

Millionaire businessman and Libertas founder Declan Ganley, who spearheaded rejection of the treaty first time around, was shocked by the apparent massive swing to the 'Yes' camp.

“I’m surprised how big the 'Yes' vote is. It just shows how scared people are,” Mr Ganley said, claiming the economic downturn had a massive influence. “This is an overwhelming Yes vote.”

Finance Minister Brian Lenihan said the huge swing to the 'Yes' side was linked to concerns over the economy.

“It’s a very positive signal to the rest of Europe,” Mr Lenihan said. “I think it’s good for the country, good for the economy. We are in a very difficult place and that’s precisely why people have voted yes.”

Other leading 'No' campaigners, including Socialist MEP Joe Higgins and Sinn Fáin representatives said the Government must now act to back up claims it made during its pro-Lisbon campaign.

Controversial 'No' lobby group Coir accepted defeat but repeated claims it made during the campaign that the Lisbon Treaty allowed for dramatically reduced wages.

Coir were roundly criticised for a nationwide poster campaign which suggested the minimum wage would be slashed to €1.84 under the Brussels reform package.

Mr Ganley added: “I’d like to say it was inspired by hope but I fear that it was not but I respect the outcome, I respect the result and the people have spoken.”

The Galway businessman praised Taoiseach Brian Cowen’s leadership and the Government’s pro-Lisbon campaign.

“He fought, from a political standpoint, a phenomenal campaign,” Mr Ganley said. “This is a very convincing win, a mandate, and I wish him the best of luck.”

Ireland is the only country to hold a public vote on Lisbon because it has to amend the constitution to accept the treaty’s provisions.

During last June’s referendum it was thought a large turnout would boost the 'Yes' side.

But despite more than half of all voters coming out (53%) the 'No' camp clinched it, with the final result 53.4% to 46.6%.

Opinion polls showed the 'Yes' side pull ahead over the summer months, but the pro-treaty camp feared a growing anti-government voice could have reared its head at the ballot box.