The leader of SIPTU has urged trade unionists to vote Yes in the referendum on the Nice Treaty on the grounds that it "strengthens the possibility for strengthening the EU's role in the area of social policy". Mr Des Geraghty said he did not believe the EU should become a giant market dominated by big business.
In the run-up to the Treaty of Nice referendum, the Irish Times website, ireland.com, will provide full daily news coverage, with analysis and commentary. ireland.com's Treaty of Nice site also features a guide to the treaty, the Government White Paper and the full text of the treaty, with accessible coverage of the major issues and details on the accession states. Users can enter the debate via the referendum poll and watch video interviews hosted by Irish Times Foreign Affairs Correspondent Deaglan de Breadun, with Green Party TD Mr John Gormley and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Cowen. The address is: www.ireland.com/ special/nice/