By Francesca Ross - 3rd October 2009
Voter turnout in Ireland's second referendum has been estimated at around 50 per cent.
The figure rocketed through the day, as bad weather cleared in the west of the country, rising from around 20 per cent at lunchtime to between 50 to 60 per cent by the close of polls.
In contrast to the 2008 vote, indications are that a 'Yes' vote is to be delivered, with around 60 per cent of those voting backing the treaty.
The 'Yes' camp lost in the first vote by 46.6 per cent for to 53.4 per cent against.
Figures show turnout had been higher in middle-class areas, which are generally perceived as being in support of the treaty, says the Irish press.
For example, voting in affluent Sutton (55 per cent) was nearly twice that of working-class Ballymun (32 per cent) by 7pm.
Exit polling shows issues that may have caused the swing in voter intentions include concerns over the economy, unemployment and a better managed information campaign.
Having once been Europe's most dynamic economy, the Irish economy is shrinking by about eight per cent as a real estate boom unravels, causing uncertainty for voters, say reports.
In addition unemployment has more than doubled to 12.6 per cent and many big employers are reducing their workforce.
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