Irish prime minister Brian Cowen has announced Ireland’s acceptance of the EU Lisbon treaty today.

Early results and exit polls from yesterday’s referendum indicate Ireland has decisively voted “Yes”, paving the way for a radical shake-up of the EU.

Irish Taoiseach Brian Cowen, whose government has backed the treaty, heralded the victory saying it would bring about “a stronger and fairer Ireland and Europe”.

In a brief statement to reporters Cowen said: "The Irish people have spoken with a clear and resounding voice,"

"It is a good day for Ireland and a good day for Europe."

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

Just 18-months ago the country voted against the treaty in the first referendum.

However today an informal exit poll by the main opposition Fine Gael party estimated a 60% "Yes" vote, compared to the 46.6% last year.

The official tally is not expected until about 5pm today, but regional results are already coming in.

The first official result, for Tipperary South in southern Ireland, showed 68.4% voting "Yes" and 31.6% "No".

Later, the result from Kildare North showed 76% in favour and in Tipperary North the "Yes" vote was 70%.

As expected, Donegal North East rejected the treaty again, but only narrowly, with 52% to the "No" camp.

Anti-Lisbon campaigners have already conceded defeat with the leader of the lobby group Libertas, Declan Ganley, admitting they had failed to sway the vote a second time.

The millionaire businessman blamed people’s fears over the economy for the result, saying: “I’m surprised how big the Yes vote is. It just shows how scared people are.”

“I’d like to say it was inspired by hope but I fear that it was not but I respect the outcome, I respect the result and the people have spoken.”

Ganley went on to praise the pro-Lisbon campaign spearheaded by Cowen.

“He fought, from a political standpoint, a phenomenal campaign.”

“This is a very convincing win, a mandate, and I wish him the best of luck.”

Out of the 27-member states only the Czech Republic, Ireland and Poland are still to ratify the Lisbon treaty.

However as Ireland was the only country holding a referendum, a win for the "Yes" vote is expected to pave the way for the radical shake-up proposed.

Ten years in the planning, the treaty creates the new post of President of the European of Council, a position likely to be taken by former British prime minister Tony Blair.

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