PARIS (MNI) – Irish voters are expected to have approved the EU
fiscal compact treaty by a wide margin, according to Irish
media reports Friday.
The Irish broadcaster RTE estimated that of Ireland’s 43
parliamentary constituencies, 35 are likely to vote in favor of the
treaty, three are likely to be opposed and five are still too close to
call. The overall vote in favor of the treaty could be between 55% and
60%, the broadcaster estimated.
The counting of the ballots began at 9:00 am local time this
morning. The official result is expected later this afternoon. Prime
Minister Enda Kenny is scheduled to hold a press conference 3:30 pm
local time, the Irish Times newspaper reported.
The Irish government had campaigned strongly for a “yes” vote,
saying it would give renewed confidence to foreign investors and help
ease Ireland’s return to the debt markets when the country’s bailout
program ends next year.
–Paris newsroom, +33142715540; jduffy@marketnews.com
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