Brussels, 06/06/2008 (Agence Europe) - For the first time since the campaign was launched, a majority is taking shape in favour of a “no” vote at the Irish referendum on the Lisbon Treaty on 12 June. Poll results published on Friday in The Irish Times show that 35% of respondents intend to vote against the new EU treaty. Only 30% say they are willing to vote “yes” but 28% are still undecided. Seven percent of those taking part in the poll declare they will not turn out to vote.
In the Netherlands, where the population had rejected the draft Constitutional Treaty in 2005, the Lisbon Treaty was approved on 5 June by the parliament's Lower House (Tweede kamer). The Upper House (Eerste kamer) has still to give its endorsement for Dutch ratification to be complete. (H.B./transl. jl)