Chirac makes last-ditch effort for a French 'yes'

President Jacques Chirac was making a last-ditch push today for a “yes” vote on the European Union’s first constitution, as speculation mounted that he will fire his prime minister if France votes down the landmark treaty.

Poll after poll has predicted that Sunday’s referendum will produce a dramatic French “no” to the treaty – planned as the next big step in a 50-year process of European integration. In the crucial final days of the heated campaign, pessimism has crept into Chirac’s “yes” camp.