THE PRESIDENTS of all three major EU institutions have made a final appeal to the Irish people to support the Lisbon Treaty.
Prominent No campaigners around Europe also made a final appeal to Irish voters.
European Parliament president Jerzy Buzek said yesterday he believed the treaty would make the EU more effective and democratic and is good for Ireland and the rest of the union. He also appealed for a high turnout.
“Friday is an important day for Ireland, and for the whole of the European Union. I hope the Irish people do come out and vote in large numbers, and I strongly encourage them to do so,” said Mr Buzek in a press statement.
Swedish prime minister Fredrick Reinfeldt, who is chairing the European Council as his country holds the six-month rotating EU presidency, said he was hoping for a Yes vote.
“That way the Irish people will have ensured that every member state has a commissioner. That is important for me, also coming from a smaller member state,” he said.
A spokeswoman for European Commission president José Manuel Barroso said now was the time for the Irish people to decide.
“The president simply hopes as many as possible will use their democratic right and make their voice heard,” she added.
Leader of the UK Independence Party (UKIP) Nigel Farage MEP, who will be in Dublin canvassing today, said the Irish people shouldn’t be bullied into voting Yes and should choose democracy and not bureaucracy by voting No.
Veteran anti-treaty campaigner and former Danish MEP Jens Peter Bonde said he didn’t want to tell people how to vote.
“I ask Irish voters to read the treaty and make up their own mind,” he said.
“Lisbon transfers powers from voters to bureaucrats and reduces the influence of small member states. This is why I oppose the treaty.”