In the final push for a Yes vote in the Lisbon Treaty referendum on Thursday, leaders from the political and business worlds were among those who cast oversized ballots in a giant see-through ballot box in Dublin today.
The Irish Alliance for Europe (IAE) asked people from across Irish society to outline why they were voting Yes.
Among those casting their "vote" was former taoiseach Dr Garret FitzGerald who said that ratification of the treaty would secure Ireland's place at the centre of Europe. He added that Ireland had always punched above its weight in Europe. "There is nothing to fear in this treaty," he added.
IAE chairman and former Labour leader Ruairí Quinn said Thursday represented an opportunity to make a choice about the direction of the country. "Do we stay at the heart of a process that has transformed our country over the last 35 years or do we confine ourselves to the margins?" he asked.
Architect and TV presenter Duncan Stewart added his voice to the Yes campaign by addressing the issue of climate change. He said that while Ireland had no chance of dealing with climate change alone, the treaty would create a more effective and efficient EU committed to the challenge.
The new economic uncertainty makes it imperative that Ireland does not sent out a message that we are disengaging from Europe, according to Ibec general secretary Turlough O'Sullivan. In an environment where 100 jobs have been lost every day since January the treaty provides the platform to sustain our prosperity, he said.
Former IFA president Alan Gillis said a Yes vote would secure Ireland's veto in the current round of World Trade Organisation's negotiations. CPSU general secretary Blair Horan said the Charter of Fundamental Rights respresented unprecendented progress for workers rights and places workers at the heart of the EU process.