Irish Voters Key to Future of European Union?

On June 12, 2008, Irish citizens will vote "Yes" or "No" in a national referendum on the Treaty of Lisbon - the latest attempt to modernize the structure of the EU. Ireland is the only country in the 27-nation EU which, under its Constitution, must submit the ratification of the treaty to a national referendum. If Ireland votes no, the entire treaty - and the efforts to pass it - would fall apart.

Supporters and opponents are mounting campaigns in Ireland ahead of the vote, and opinion polls show that up to 60% of the Irish people are still undecided. Is it too much of a stretch that say that the Irish people hold the key to Europe's future?

Read about the treaty here. Or here in Gaelic if you like.