Referendum chair: 'No' vote would cut off one source of funding

The independent Chairman of the Referendum Commission, Judge Kevin Feeney, has confirmed that Ireland would be cut off from one source of EU funding, if people reject the EU Fiscal Treaty.

However Mr Justice Feeney said it is a matter for political debate as to whether other sources of funding would be available in the event of a 'No' vote.

Opponents to the treaty claim the EU and the IMF would not deprive Ireland of emergency funding if it is rejected.

But the Commission Chairman said it is not within his remit to say if other sources of funding would be available to Ireland after the vote.

Mr Justice Feeney said: "It is in the preamble and that identifies that one of the sources of funding which Ireland is currently availing of will not be available.

"In relation to the other sources the treaty is silent, and whether or not those sources are available is a matter for discussion and debate outside the ambit of this commission and absolutely within the ambit of the press and the media."