Approximately two out of three Irish voters have said ‘Yes’ to the Treaty of Lisbon. According to the official results, 58 percent of all eligible voters turned out to vote in Saturday’s referendum and of that 58 percent, 67.1 percent voted ‘Yes’.

Ireland’s Prime Minister Brian Cowen said he was happy with the result, as did the President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso. He called it “a great day for Europe” and said the Irish had clearly expressed their faith in European integration.

Last year, the country’s voters rejected the EU treaty. This led to changes being made to ensure their approval.

All 27 member states of the European Union have now approved the treaty, which is intended to streamline the decision-making process within the EU. They have done so either by a parliamentary decision, or by a national referendum. Polish President Lech Kaczynski was opposed to it, but said he would ratify it if Irish voters voted ‘Yes’.

This leaves the Czech Republic the only remaining obstacle. However, although Euro-skeptic President Vaclav Klaus is refusing to ratify the treaty, his Prime Minister Jan Fischer believes he will do so before the year is out.

The treaty also calls for the appointment of an EU president, to chair negotiations between government leaders of the member states. One of the names mooted for the position is that of Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende.

Photo of Irish voters celebrating ' Yes' vote by EPA