Apathy threatens Nice 'Yes' vote
The counting of votes has begun in the three Irish referendums.
There are fears within the Government that the central issue - seeking approval for the EU's Treaty of Nice - might be threatened by voter apathy.
Less than 40% of the 2.9 million-strong Irish electorate are reckoned to have taken part in the referendums.
A Yes vote had the backing of all of the main parliamentary opposition parties, as well as the Church and trade union leaders.
Government sources have confessed to their concern at the effects of the small turn-out.
One ministerial aide said: "It's going to be a close-run thing, although we are still hopeful of getting the nation's approval.
"We recognise, though, that the poor turnout will count against us."
The Treaty of Nice permits enlargement of the EU through the recruitment of a dozen central and eastern European States.
Its Irish supporters have maintained that the concept should he accepted so that applicant countries receive the kind of opportunities for prosperity granted to Ireland by virtue of community membership.
Opponents claim the development will threaten Ireland's traditional policy of military neutrality and pose a range of other problems.
If the treaty is rejected, its implementation will be delayed in all 15 EU states.
