ireland.com - Irish Referendum Lisbon Treaty: No vote would mean end of Ireland as a business gateway to Europe - by Patrick Logue and Killian Doyle

Will Ireland self-destruct as a EU member

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Irish Referendum Lisbon Treaty: No vote would mean end of Ireland as a business gateway to Europe - by Patrick Logue and Killian Doyle - by Patrick Logue and Killian Doyle

Taoiseach Brian Cowen has said a Yes vote in the Lisbon Treaty referendum next week is “fundamentally in our interests” after a poll today showed it faces a shock rejection. Mr Cowen accused those opposed to the treaty of “spreading confusion” and bringing in “extraneous issues” that were nothing to do with the Treaty, which is subject to a referendum on June 12th. According to the Irish Times/TNS mrbi poll results, the number of people intending to vote No has almost doubled to 35 per cent (up 17 points) since the last poll three weeks ago, while the number of the Yes side has declined to 30 per cent (down 5 points).

The number of undecided voters is still a significant 28 per cent (down 12 points), while 7 per cent won’t vote. The findings suggest that Mr Cowen faces a humiliating defeat

Note EU-Digest: A no vote would mean “queers Irish sales pitch to companies thinking about investing in Ireland as a base within Europe”. Former Progressive Democrats leader Ms Harney said she believed that Ireland’s best interests in terms of investment and job creation are supported by a Yes vote next Thursday. Ms Harney directly challenged leading anti-Lisbon campaigners including Declan Ganley, Joe Higgins and Mary Lou McDonald, to debate with her on how a No vote would serve Ireland in the future. Making reference to her former role as Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the Minister questioned how anti-Lisbon campaigners could comment on the economic implications of the treaty when they lack experience of attracting investment into Ireland.