Supporters of the new EU Constitution, who are struggling to keep the treaty alive, were given a small boost this morning when Latvia became the tenth country to ratify the document after a vote in the country’s parliament.
The European Commission President, Jose Manuel Barroso, has urged countries to continue with the ratification process.
Over 61% of Dutch voters voted No in yesterday's poll, which followed the constitution's rejection by French voters last Sunday.
Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende conceded defeat on national television little over half an hour after the polls closed.
Mr Balkenende called for the ratification process to continue in other countries, a call echoed by the French President, Jacques Chirac, and the German Chancellor, Gerhard Schroeder.
However, Britain is keen to abandon the process and the Czech Prime Minister has called for a suspension.
The Government has said it is pressing ahead with preparations for a referendum in Ireland.
The Government said while it respects the decision of the Dutch electorate it remains firmly convinced that the document is in the best interests of Ireland and the EU as a whole.
