THE COUNTRY'S three million voters were encouraged by those campaigning for and against the Lisbon Treaty to go to the polls today to cast their ballots on what Taoiseach Brian Cowen described as an important date in Irish history. STEPHEN COLLINS, Political Editor reports
Polling stations will open at 7am and not close until 10pm to encourage as many people as possible to vote. Voters may be required to produce a passport, driving licence, employee identity card or student card before being allowed to vote. They will be handed a white ballot paper and those who approve of the treaty should mark X in the square beside "TÁ/YES" while those against it should mark X in the square beside "NÍL/NO".
In a final appeal to voters the Taoiseach said today's vote would decide whether Ireland stayed true to its positive approach to the EU or took a new and uncertain route.
"After 35 years of respecting and helping Ireland, the EU has earned the right not to be seen as a threat to us and I believe that the Irish people will reflect on this when examining the arguments of both sides of this campaign," he said.
Because of the importance of the referendum he was calling on all citizens to make the time to vote, Mr Cowen added.
Winding up the Fine Gael campaign, the party's director of elections, Dublin MEP Gay Mitchell, said he was optimistic that the treaty would be ratified. But he said turnout was the key to the outcome.
"I would repeat again and again that Yes voters have to turn out in numbers to ensure the successful outcome that Fine Gael has campaigned for," said Mr Mitchell, who said it had been his party's longest and most comprehensive referendum campaign that he recalled.
Labour leader Eamon Gilmore said voters had a hugely important decision to make which could have a significant impact on the future direction of this country and of the EU.
"After months of discussion and debate the Irish electorate are faced with a relatively straightforward choice. A Yes vote will mean ratification of the Lisbon reform treaty and all the benefits that this will bring to the people of Ireland and the people of Europe. A No vote will wipe away the results of several years of difficult negotiations between the 27 member states - much of it conducted under an Irish presidency - and plunge the EU into a period of doubt and uncertainty."
Sinn Féin MEP Mary Lou McDonald also called on people to come out and vote, saying a high poll would give the Government a strong mandate to renegotiate the treaty and get a better deal.
"Regardless of what happens, tomorrow Ireland's place in Europe is secure and co-operation with our European partners will continue. The electorate needs to decide if the Lisbon Treaty is a bad deal for Ireland and is it possible for the Government to get a better deal. If you think the Irish Government can do better, vote No," she said.
Libertas chairman Declan Ganley also appealed to Irish people to reject the Lisbon Treaty.
"The Government and their yes-men would have us believe that there is a boundary to what we can achieve.
"We on the other hand are optimistic that all of Europe can do better. No good reasons for a Yes vote have been given in this campaign."
• For full coverage of tomorrow's count and live results throughout the day at www.ireland.com