The Irish people voted on the Lisbon Treaty for a second time today. It was defeated last year, much to the embarrassment of the government, so after getting assurances from the EU, it is being put before the electorate
again. It's a complicated piece of legislation which few people understand. It has brought together unlikely
alliances on both sides of the debate...the far left and the far right are advocating a 'no' vote, employers and trade
unions are saying 'vote yes'. The streets of our towns are festooned with posters. The public is confused but the implications for the economy are to the forefront of
most people's minds as they cast their ballots.

Update The Treaty was carried.