Irish celebs line up behind "Yes" campaign for Lisbon treaty

Cowen said the referendum will go ahead in October after he secured a deal last week with EU leaders. He got agreement on legal guarantees for the treaty in the strongest possible format when British Prime Minister Gordon Brown dropped his objections.

Cowen and Brown reached agreement in Brussels on a protocol to be attached to the treaty that will guarantee it does not affect Ireland’s right to control its own taxes or its policy of neutrality. There is agreement, too, that Ireland’s constitutional position on abortion, education and the family will also not be affected.

Cowen refused to put his neck on the line by committing to stepping down if the second referendum is not passed.

“This is not a party political issue … it is important that we work together on this,” Cowen said.

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Nster.com