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Irish await EU treaty vote result Irish await EU treaty vote result
(about 4 hours later)
Vote counting is due to begin shortly in the Republic of Ireland's crucial second referendum on the European Union's Lisbon Treaty. Vote counting has begun in the Republic of Ireland's crucial second referendum on the European Union's Lisbon Treaty.
Opinion polls and informal exit polls indicate that the country will say yes to the treaty - just 18 months after rejecting it in the first referendum.Opinion polls and informal exit polls indicate that the country will say yes to the treaty - just 18 months after rejecting it in the first referendum.
The treaty, aimed at streamlining EU decision-making, cannot take effect unless all member states ratify it. The treaty, aimed at streamlining decision-making in the 27-nation EU, cannot take effect unless all member states ratify it.
Results of the referendum are due by late afternoon.Results of the referendum are due by late afternoon.
The BBC's Johnny Dymond says indications are that the "Yes" campaign - backed by the government and most of the Irish establishment - appears to have paid off.The BBC's Johnny Dymond says indications are that the "Yes" campaign - backed by the government and most of the Irish establishment - appears to have paid off.
A considerable proportion of those voting said they had switched from "No" to "Yes" this time around, our correspondent says.A considerable proportion of those voting said they had switched from "No" to "Yes" this time around, our correspondent says.
LISBON TREATY Aimed at streamlining EU decision-makingMore decisions by majority vote, rather than unanimityRatified by all member states except Czech Republic, Ireland and PolandOnly Ireland is holding referendum on itTook a decade of negotiationsWas intended to take effect in January 2009 Q&A: Ireland's new Lisbon vote In pictures: Irish treaty voteLISBON TREATY Aimed at streamlining EU decision-makingMore decisions by majority vote, rather than unanimityRatified by all member states except Czech Republic, Ireland and PolandOnly Ireland is holding referendum on itTook a decade of negotiationsWas intended to take effect in January 2009 Q&A: Ireland's new Lisbon vote In pictures: Irish treaty vote
An informal exit poll by the main opposition Fine Gael party estimated a 60% "Yes" vote, Irish broadcaster RTE reported.An informal exit poll by the main opposition Fine Gael party estimated a 60% "Yes" vote, Irish broadcaster RTE reported.
In last year's vote, 46.6% voted "Yes" and 53.4% "No".In last year's vote, 46.6% voted "Yes" and 53.4% "No".
Last year's rejection of the treaty by Irish voters plunged the 27-nation bloc into political gridlock.Last year's rejection of the treaty by Irish voters plunged the 27-nation bloc into political gridlock.
Analysts say a "Yes" vote this time around would be a big step towards ratification.Analysts say a "Yes" vote this time around would be a big step towards ratification.
The only other countries yet to ratify the treaty are Poland and the Czech Republic.The only other countries yet to ratify the treaty are Poland and the Czech Republic.
Prime Minister Brian Cowen - who has warned that another rejection would marginalise Ireland in Europe - was cautiously optimistic.Prime Minister Brian Cowen - who has warned that another rejection would marginalise Ireland in Europe - was cautiously optimistic.
"The people's decision is sovereign and of course that will be the case but I'm hopeful that in the context of today... we'll have a good outcome," he said."The people's decision is sovereign and of course that will be the case but I'm hopeful that in the context of today... we'll have a good outcome," he said.
Key concessionsKey concessions
Three million people were eligible to vote in the referendum.Three million people were eligible to vote in the referendum.
Turnout in Dublin rose to 44% by Friday evening in contrast to other parts of the country, where figures were as low as 10%.Turnout in Dublin rose to 44% by Friday evening in contrast to other parts of the country, where figures were as low as 10%.
Irish media reported a late surge as commuters returned home from work.Irish media reported a late surge as commuters returned home from work.
Counting is due to start at 0900 (0800 GMT) and the results will be relayed to the national count centre in Dublin Castle where an announcement is expected by late afternoon. Counting started at 0900 (0800 GMT) and the results will be relayed to the national count centre in Dublin Castle where an announcement is expected by late afternoon.
The Republic of Ireland agreed to stage a second referendum after winning guarantees on key areas of policy which it blamed for last year's rejection - such as its military neutrality, abortion and tax laws.The Republic of Ireland agreed to stage a second referendum after winning guarantees on key areas of policy which it blamed for last year's rejection - such as its military neutrality, abortion and tax laws.
All of the republic's major parties campaigned for a "Yes" vote except the nationalist Sinn Fein. The party believes rejecting the treaty would mean a more democratic EU.All of the republic's major parties campaigned for a "Yes" vote except the nationalist Sinn Fein. The party believes rejecting the treaty would mean a more democratic EU.
The Lisbon Treaty is intended to sharpen EU institutions following the bloc's rapid eastward expansion since 2004.The Lisbon Treaty is intended to sharpen EU institutions following the bloc's rapid eastward expansion since 2004.
However, opponents see it as part of a federalist agenda that threatens national sovereignty.However, opponents see it as part of a federalist agenda that threatens national sovereignty.