.jpg)
.png)
Ireland begins count of EU treaty referendum votes
The Irish begins counting votes submitted in a referendum yesterday on the European Union’s fiscal treaty which will preserve stricter budgetary rules if passed.
Ireland votes on EU fiscal treaty but some eligible voters fear austerity measure should it pass
Votes will be counted today in Ireland in referendum on the European Union’s fiscal treaty which is expected to be passed according opinion polls prior to the official ballot held yesterday.
The counting will begin at 26 individual centres around the country after voters decided on the treaty which, if passed, will preserve stricter budgetary rules into national law.
The final result is expected to be given this evening although an indication of the outcome may be provided by mid-morning.
The Irish government said that access to future bailout funds could be at stake in the vote after its current bailout programme expires at the end of 2013.
Around 3.1 million people were entitled to vote, some of whom fear severe austerity measures, and former Irish finance minister Alan Dukes said treaty-supporters could win by a narrow amount.
Dukes said Ireland could be left in a weak position should the compact be rejected and prudently assumed that Ireland may have to extend the €67.5 billion received in 2010.
