Majority in Ireland back Nice treaty - poll
A majority of Irish people say they are likely to vote in favour in next month's referendum on the Nice Treaty.
Of those questioned in the poll, conducted by MRBI, 52% indicated they were likely to vote "yes" on June 7, with 21% coming out against the treaty.
The remaining 27% said they had no opinion, according to the poll to be published on later tomorrow.
The survey also revealed current ignorance about the implications of the treaty, with one in three voters claiming "some" or "good" understanding of the issues.
The treaty, which paves the way for European Union expansion into the former communist block states of central and eastern Europe, is supported by the three largest parties in Ireland.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, launching Fianna Fail party's campaign for a "yes" vote, said: "Those campaigning against the Nice Treaty are ideological bedfellows of the Tory Euro-sceptics."
Those opposed to ratification claim it will compromise Irish neutrality and pave the way for the creation of a European superstate.
A "no" vote, which is being sought by Sinn Fein, the Greens and Socialists, would result in the collapse of the treaty.
The treaty must be ratified by the 15 EU parliaments and the European Parliament by the end of 2002.
Ireland is the only European state holding a referendum on the issue. Voters will also be asked to approve changes to state's constitution removing references to the death penalty and allowing the Republic's participation in the planned international criminal court.
