Ireland holds crucial EU treaty vote

Voting is underway in the second referendum on the EU’s controversial Lisbon Treaty in the Republic of Ireland.

Since the ‘No’ vote over a year ago, the once booming Irish economy has become a victim of the global downturn.

Dissatisfaction with the government’s response has fuelled scepticism among some voters over the benefits of approving the Lisbon Treaty.

Betting shops though, are doing brisk business with many punters opting to put their money on a “Yes” vote. A spokesman for the Paddy Power bookmakers said: “It’s usually a good indicator, actually, because people will often tell lies to opinion pollsters, but when they put their hard earned cash on, they’re certainly going to vote the way they bet.”

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tags: European Union, Ireland, referendum