Polls show Ireland ratifying Lisbon Treaty

On Monday Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary warned a no vote in the referendum would destroy the country’s economy. The famous airline chief called on the Irish electorate to separate their anger at the government on Friday -- but to vote them out if an early general election is called next year.

O’Leary said it was time Irish people woke up to the fact the county was bankrupt and needed Europe. “If we vote no the cost of borrowing will rise significantly, we will lose an EU commissioner because we go back to the Nice Treaty, and we will lose a veto on direct taxation,” he warned.

More than any sector of Irish society, Irish farmers have benefited from the Republic's membership of the EU, but last year a majority of them voted no to the Lisbon Treaty. How they will vote on Friday when Ireland reconsiders the treaty may well decide the balance of the vote.

The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) president Padraig Walshe, wants a strong yes showing from farmers this time. “We have a population of four million people, we produce enough food for about 24 million people. Access to the European market is crucial to us,” he said.

However James Reynolds, the chairman of the Farmers for No campaign, is canvassing against the treaty. Reynolds believes Lisbon threatens Ireland’s food industry and a possible 80,000 jobs.

“If we say yes to Lisbon, we will be giving a blank check to Brussels to abuse farmers, to force them to become dependent on hand-outs and subsidies,” Reynolds said. “A farmer who votes for Lisbon is in effect a turkey voting for Christmas.”

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Nster.com