Following so soon after the government meeting to discuss the timetabling of the referendum, the Prime Minister's swift decision could be read as a response to criticism from former Taoiseach, John Bruton, who recently accused the coalition government of indecisiveness, and argued that politicians could not begin an all-out campaign for Nice unless they knew the proposed date of the poll.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday with Tanaiste, Mary Harney by his side, Mr Ahern urged the Irish public to support the pro-enlargement treaty, arguing that it will be a disaster for the Republic and the applicant countries alike if Nice is rejected again.

He added that this is the first time in the nation's history that a referendum has taken place on a Saturday, a fact confirmed by Ms Harney, who explained that holding the poll at a weekend will allow for maximum turnout. In June of last year, voters rejected the terms of the Treaty by 56% to 46%, although only 35% of the RoI's electorate actually voted.

Other European Union members will be relieved that a referendum date has finally been set, as they were keen for the second Irish vote on the Nice Treaty to take place before an EU summit on October 24-25.