Taoiseach confident of treaty ratification

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern named June as the month for the referendum on the latest EU treaty, confounding pundits who expected a May date.

He expressed confidence that it will not turn into a vote of confidence in him following disclosures over his finances at the Mahon Tribunal.

The cabinet approved the bill for the referendum shortly before Mr Ahern left for an official visit to three EU countries, starting with current EU presidency holder Slovenia.