Irish to ratify EU deficit-fighting treaty, 60 per cent vote 'yes'

Referendum officials compiling unofficial results say Ireland's voters have decided to ratify the European Union's deficit-fighting treaty with "yes" votes reaching nearly 60 per cent.

The victory, to be declared officially later Friday, relieves some pressure on EU financial chiefs as they battle to contain the eurozone's debt crisis.

Dozens of party activists monitoring the ballot count reported the "yes" side solidly outpolling "no" voters several hours ahead of the official result announcement at Dublin Castle.

About half of Ireland's 3.13 million registered voters participated in Thursday's referendum.

Ireland was the only country among 25 signatories requiring public approval.

Read more: Irish to ratify EU deficit-fighting treaty, 60 per cent vote 'yes' | CanadianBusiness.com