The British Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair, will travel to Northern Ireland later today to make his last appeal for a strong Yes vote in Friday's referendum and to attempt to win over unionists who are sceptical about the Belfast Agreement.
Downing Street said yesterday there was a "possibility" the Prime Minister would stay overnight in the North. The Tory leader, Mr William Hague, is also expected there later today. On Thursday morning the two leaders may appear together in a final push for a Yes vote.
In a major speech in Geneva last night, Mr Blair told leaders attending the world trade summit that peace in Northern Ireland could be underpinned by economic prosperity. He said the Belfast Agreement would boost trade and investment and he expressed his optimism that people in Northern Ireland would vote in favour of the deal.
"We must not let pass by the best chance for many years for real peace in Northern Ireland. Let that then be a signal for peace throughout the troubled parts of the world," he said.