Coveney 'very hopeful' of Yes vote

The Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney has expressed cautious optimism at the Fiscal Treaty referendum count centre in Cork City Hall this morning.

With 40% of boxes opened, early tally numbers indicate that Cork South Central has backed the Treaty with a 61% Yes vote.

Results however in Cork North Central have taken a different route; with all the boxes there now open, it's 59% No and 41% Yes.

Director of Elections Simon Coveney said: "We're very hopeful. It looks like there may a strong endorsement of a Yes vote, which will send out a very positive signal that Ireland has made a clear and positive decision about where it's going."