Employers should ensure that their staff get a chance to vote in the referendum on the peace process, the incoming president of the Chambers of Commerce of Ireland has said. Mr Philip O'Reilly called for an "overwhelming yes vote" throughout Ireland.

"This is an historic opportunity to bring about a society in Northern Ireland, founded on both peace and justice; it is an opportunity for those on both sides of the border to become involved in meaningful for the whole island," he added. "Peace in Ireland will" generate new economic activity between North and South."

Describing the May 22nd poll as the most important vote in a lifetime, Mr O'Reilly called on employers on both sides of the Border to facilitate staff to allow them get to the polling stations.

Mr O'Reilly, an Ennis-based estate agent and financial adviser, replaced Mr Tom Kehoe, an auctioneer, as president of the Chambers of Commerce of Ireland on Saturday.