The Taoiseach and the Tanaiste have called on the electorate to ensure that the turnout at the Nice Treaty referendum is as high as possible.
In a joint statement, they said that when Ireland took the historic decision to join the European commission of nations 30 years ago a transformation began which has "seen Ireland and Europe grow and prosper".
"Since then Europe has evolved to meet new challenges," they said. "Every time Ireland has voted for a new treaty, Ireland has benefited. We have been positive Europeans, with influence beyond our numbers or wealth.
"We believe that Saturday's vote will decide whether or not Ireland will continue at the heart of Europe.
"If people want to vote for the policies that have brought our country so far and to ensure that we have the strongest ever protection for our neutrality we call on them to vote Yes on Saturday."
PA