EU boss urges Irish ‘yes’ for treaty

IRISH people were urged to show their commitment to Europe by voting in favour of the Reform Treaty by the European Commission president, as leaders from all 27 EU countries formally signed the document in Lisbon.

Ireland is almost certain to be the only country holding a referendum on the treaty that has taken more than six years to finalise and which varies only slightly from the constitution rejected by the French and Dutch.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern will sign the treaty in Lisbon today and the Government is launching a website with information about the treaty and its contents. All countries have a year to ratify the document that makes substantial changes to the way the union is managed.