From The Times
October 2, 2009
Voting underway as Ireland decides Europe's fate
David Sharrock in Dublin
The Taoiseach Brian Cowen and his wife Mary cast their votes in Ireland’s Lisbon Treaty referendum this morning as polling stations across the country reported a quiet early turnout.
For the second time in 15 months, around three million Irish citizens are being asked to determine the fate of around 500 million people across the EU.
Polling stations in 43 constituencies across the country opened this morning and will close at ten o’clock this evening.
Mr Cowen has pleaded with the electorate overturn last year’s decision to reject the treaty.
"The outcome will determine the future direction of our country and I am urging people to go out and vote and to think clearly before making this vital decision," he said.
"I am appealing to every person in this country who believes that Ireland and Europe are better together to help achieve a Yes vote."
He has promised there will be no third referendum if the vote goes against the treaty, a result that would plunge the European Union back into an institutional crisis.
The pro-treaty campaign says it will streamline EU decision-making and allow for further expansion beyond its 27 members. They say it will not affect Ireland’s neutrality, its abortion laws or tax-setting powers and that Ireland will retain its commissioner.
The 'No-camp' counters by saying that nothing in the treaty has changed from when it was first rejected and that it remains a bad deal for Europe and Ireland.
Opinion polls have shown the pro-treaty camp gaining momentum over the summer months, with half of all voters set to back the charter as of last weekend.
Voters arriving at their local polling station are being given a white polling card asking if they approve or disapprove of ratifying the controversial charter.
An 'X' is to be placed inside the Yes or No box.
Residents on offshore islands in Counties Donegal, Galway and Clare have already cast their votes as polls there opened on Tuesday and Wednesday.
After polls close the ballot boxes will be sent to counting centres across the country and at 9am tomorrow the tally begins.
After each count is completed the local returning officer will inform the referendum returning officer in Dublin Castle.
A final national result is expected to be officially announced in Dublin Castle by Saturday mid-afternoon.
For the second time in 15 months, around three million Irish citizens are being asked to determine the fate of around 500 million people across the EU.
Polling stations in 43 constituencies across the country opened this morning and will close at ten o’clock this evening.
Mr Cowen has pleaded with the electorate overturn last year’s decision to reject the treaty.
"The outcome will determine the future direction of our country and I am urging people to go out and vote and to think clearly before making this vital decision," he said.
"I am appealing to every person in this country who believes that Ireland and Europe are better together to help achieve a Yes vote."
He has promised there will be no third referendum if the vote goes against the treaty, a result that would plunge the European Union back into an institutional crisis.
The pro-treaty campaign says it will streamline EU decision-making and allow for further expansion beyond its 27 members. They say it will not affect Ireland’s neutrality, its abortion laws or tax-setting powers and that Ireland will retain its commissioner.
The 'No-camp' counters by saying that nothing in the treaty has changed from when it was first rejected and that it remains a bad deal for Europe and Ireland.
Opinion polls have shown the pro-treaty camp gaining momentum over the summer months, with half of all voters set to back the charter as of last weekend.
Voters arriving at their local polling station are being given a white polling card asking if they approve or disapprove of ratifying the controversial charter.
An 'X' is to be placed inside the Yes or No box.
Residents on offshore islands in Counties Donegal, Galway and Clare have already cast their votes as polls there opened on Tuesday and Wednesday.
After polls close the ballot boxes will be sent to counting centres across the country and at 9am tomorrow the tally begins.
After each count is completed the local returning officer will inform the referendum returning officer in Dublin Castle.
A final national result is expected to be officially announced in Dublin Castle by Saturday mid-afternoon.
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