Pro-Lisbon group canvasses GAA supporters

GAA FOLLOWERS on their way to Croke Park for the All-Ireland semi-final were canvassed by Yes supporters in the Lisbon referendum…

GAA FOLLOWERS on their way to Croke Park for the All-Ireland semi-final were canvassed by Yes supporters in the Lisbon referendum campaign yesterday.

Former Kerry star Jack O’Shea and businessman Bill Cullen were among those handing out leaflets to Kerry and Meath followers.

They joined by some young Lisbon supporters, donning T-shirts bearing the slogan “Lisbon, we belong, you decide’’.

Mr O’Shea said he was delighted to have an opportunity to support the campaign.

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“A Yes vote will be good for the country and its people,’’ he added.

The canvass, which took place at Fitzgibbon Street, was organised by We Belong, a non-political organisation campaigning for a Yes vote in the referendum.

The group issued the details of a telephone poll conducted among 501 interviewees in the 24-40 age group throughout the State during the past week.

It showed that 36 per cent (425,000) are likely to vote Yes, while 23 per cent (271,000) are likely to vote No.

Some 37 per cent (433,000) are still undecided.

We Belong director Olivia Buckley said that there was a need to continue to engage with voters, given the number of undecided voters in that age category.

She added that supporting Lisbon was important for the thousands of young people who wanted a future for Ireland and a future for themselves.

“They are amongst those most affected by unemployment . . . yet they retain a huge sense of self-belief and have a desire for Ireland to get back on track,’’ she added.

Ms Buckley said that We Belong would unveil campaign posters and launch a video this week.

Michael O'Regan

Michael O'Regan

Michael O’Regan is a former parliamentary correspondent of The Irish Times