The people have spoken..

Ian Dale called it early and, although RTÉ are still cautious, the early tallies indicate a ‘No’ vote. Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin has said “The trends are not what we would have preferred.” The BBC is reporting that Europe Minister Dick Roche is “keeping [his] fingers crossed” and that Dermot Ahern has apparently conceded that the Republic of Ireland has voted ‘No’ to the Lisbon Treaty. More coverage of results here Adds Reuters report these comments from France’s Secretary of State for European Affairs Jean-Pierre Jouyet,

“The most important thing is that ratification should continue in other countries (if Ireland has voted “no”) and I have good reasons to think that the process of ratification will continue. We would have to see with the Irish at the end of the ratification process how we could make it work and what legal arrangement we could come to.”

And Dermot Ahern, “We’re in uncharted waters.” Update RTÉ has the result – Yes 752,451 – No 862,415. And they point out “It is unclear exactly what course the EU and Ireland will follow.” More Taoiseach Brian Cowen

“We must not rush to conclusions. The Union has been in this situation before and each time has found an agreed way forward. I hope that we can do so again on this occasion.”

Pete Baker