Voters in the Irish Republic have rejected the European Union's Treaty of Nice by 53.87 per cent to 46.13 per cent.

Out of a total of 982,939 votes cast 453,461 were in favour of the treaty, while 529,478 were opposed to ratification.

There were also 14,887 invalid ballots and turn-out was 32.9 per cent.

The Irish constitution required a referendum before the treaty could be ratified.

European Commission sources said the Irish vote would delay the treaty, rather than lead to its abandonment. The Commission also recognised the need to do a better job of explaining its policies.

Fears that the creation of an EU defence role would jeopardise Ireland's neutrality had been a key concern for 'No' campaigners, and there were worries that EU expansion to central and eastern Europe would lead to reductions in Ireland's subsidies.

Irish premier, Bertie Ahern, said he was bitterly disappointed by the result.