Government To Sign E.U. 'Reform Treaty'

The Irish Government has confirmed that it will sign the E.U. Reform Treaty at a ceremony in Lisbon on Thursday.

Despite the ceremonial signing, the new European Treaty will not come into force in Ireland until after a referendum expected to be held during 2008.

Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams urged voters to oppose the Treaty claiming it will take power away from E.U. member states, while the Government's Green Party coalition partners will put the issue to a vote of its membership.

The 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome will also be observed in Dublin on Wednesday, with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dermot Ahern, T.D. launching the publication 'Foundations of an Ever Closer Union' to mark the anniversary.