Ireland top business people are giving a resounding Yes to this week’s referendum, with almost half feeling a second referendum could be justified in the event of a No vote. A survey by the MBA Association of Ireland (MBAAI) of its members found 68% intending to vote Yes on Thursday, 15% planning to vote No, with a further 17% undecided.

The study of MBA graduates, typically middle and senior managers within industry and commerce in Ireland, revealed that the great majority (83%) felt they were very well or reasonably well informed on the treaty, with 72%% having read or intending to read it.

Almost half felt the treaty had been inadequately communicated to date.

Interestingly, a majority of those who plan to vote Yes feel a second referendum could be justified within 12 months in the event of the treaty being rejected this week.

Economic well-being was cited as the primary motivation behind the voting (86%), well ahead of sovereignty concerns (7%). This applied equally to both the yes and no camps.

The MBA Association of Ireland is the 2000-strong representative body for graduates holding the degree of Masters in Business Administration (MBA) living and working in Ireland .

MBAAI President Robert Cooper commented: “This survey suggests the broad business community, as represented by MBA graduates, have informed themselves well on the issue, and have emerged strongly in favour of the treaty.

“The Association itself adopts a neutral stance to the vote but urges people to read the document and “get informed”. There is too much time given to advocates as opposed to neutral experts and academics, who can provide a better understanding of the real implications of acceptance or rejection.”

For further information contact

Conor Horgan

086 8217211

chorgan@cullencommunications.ie