Survey shows increased voter understanding of treaty

SIXTY PER cent of Irish voters say they have at least some understanding of the Lisbon Treaty compared to 44 per cent days before the poll last year, according to research carried out for the Referendum Commission.

A similar survey in April 2008, two months before the referendum, showed 21 per cent of voters had some understanding.

The poll also showed an increased intention to vote, with 91 per cent extremely or quite likely to vote, and 9 per cent quite or extremely unlikely to vote.

In April 2008, 72 per cent were extremely or quite likely to vote while 22 per cent were quite or extremely unlikely to vote.

The Behaviour Attitudes survey polled 500 people between July 17th and 19th. It showed 38 per cent understand the Lisbon Treaty to some extent, 18 per cent understand it quite well and 4 per cent understand it very well. Some 20 per cent do not understand it particularly well and 19 per cent do not understand it at all.

Referendum Commission chairman Mr Justice Frank Clarke said “the treaty is not an easy read” but “this does not mean the electorate couldn’t understand it . . . People understand the effect of difficult documents all the time, a good example of which is the Finance Bill. None of us reads it, yet we all know what it does.”

The Referendum Commission is an independent body established to explain referendum proposals and promote voter turnout.