Voters in Ireland have given the green light to the European Union’s Lisbon Treaty after opting in favour of the legislation by a majority of two to one.

More than 67 per cent voted yes to ratifying the treaty, which aims to streamline decision-making in the EU. There was a 58 per cent turnout among the three million-strong Irish electorate.

It means only Poland and the Czech Republic are yet to ratify the bill out of the 27 member states, although it must have universal support to pass.

They are both expected to sign up in the next few days after their respective parliaments approved the legislation.

The result of the poll in Ireland comes 16 months after the country’s initial referendum rejected the law outright – forcing European leaders to look again at the new laws.

Irish prime minister Brian Cowen said the landslide victory for the ‘yes’ vote gave the population "a clear and resounding voice".

"It is a good day for Ireland and a good day for Europe," he said.

"The Irish people showed an Ireland embracing her future with Europe."

Popularity: unranked [?]