Over Half Would Vote 'Yes' In Second Lisbon Vote

A new poll has revealed that over half of the population would vote 'Yes' in the second Lisbon Treaty referendum, planned to take place later this year.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen has been working hard to secure concessions for Ireland on the major European Treaty, which failed to be passed last year.

The concessions included the retention of a permanent commissioner, amongst others in the sensitive areas of military neutrality, taxation policy and workers' rights.

It seems the hard work has paid of as 55% now say they would vote yes, and 'No' voters have sank to 30%.

Foreign Minister Micheal Martin said last month the Government expected to get formal EU guarantees on issues of concern to voters by June.

Ireland has been the cause of treaty screeching to a halt, as it needs to be passed by all 27 members to ensure its implementation. Critic's of the treaty will also find it much more difficult to campaign against the treaty this time around as certain media rules have been changed, meaning both the 'Yes' and 'No' camps no longer have to be granted equal coverage in the media.

The Sunday Independent/Quantum Research poll showed 55% would back the treaty in a fresh referendum, up from 39% canvassed in the last survey conducted in December.

(DW/BMcC)