Ireland's voters are deciding whether to support or veto the next European Union treaty in a referendum being watched closely across the continent, reported CNN.
Ireland's 2.8 million registered voters hold the fate of the EU Lisbon Treaty in their hands. An Irish "no" in Thursday's ballot could delay or doom the painstakingly negotiated pact. The EU's other 26 members are ratifying the complex document only through their national governments.
The Irish government, major opposition parties and business leaders all campaigned for a "yes" vote, but anti-establishment pressure groups from the left and right have mobilized considerable opposition to a treaty that seeks to reform EU institutions, powers and leadership.
Recent opinion polls have rated the outcome too close to call.