IRELAND has given a resounding endorsement to tough new budget controls under the European fiscal treaty after it became the only country to hold a referendum on the issue.
Official referendum figures declared at the Dublin Castle count centre showed the controversial pact was backed by 60.3% of those who voted.
The country's backing for Europe's fiscal pact eased stress levels in Brussels, with eurocrats welcoming a glimmer of good news in the midst of gathering economic gloom.
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