Fine Gael unveils referendum campaign

Fine Gael will tonight hold the first of a series of public meetings as part of its campaign for a Yes vote in the Lisbon Treaty referendum.

Former party leader Alan Dukes will address tonight's meeting, which will be chaired by journalist and broadcaster George Hook, at the Regency Hotel in Drumcondra.

The party is planning to hold some 30 meetings across the country as it prepares for the referendum, which Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has hinted will take place on Thursday, June 12th.

Fine Gael's campaign is being led by director of elections Gay Mitchell MEP and Lucinda Creighton, party spokeswoman on European affairs.

"Our series of national public meetings is the start of Fine Gael's high-energy campaign focused on the benefits of the Lisbon Reform Treaty," Mr Mitchell said. "We will make the case for a Yes vote in every parish and are confident of a positive outcome."

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