Ireland's EU fiscal treaty vote should tap into the feelgood factor of football

Enda Kenny, the Irish taoiseach, campaigned for a 'yes' vote in Ireland's last EU referendum in 2009. Photograph: Julien Behal/PA

If Enda Kenny, Eamon Gilmore and the rest of the Irish government have any remaining strategic acumen left, they should hold the plebiscite on the EU fiscal treaty shortly before the Republic of Ireland's football team jets off for Poland in June.

As thousands of fans in green jerseys follow their heroes east, either by cheap flights courtesy of fellow countryman Michael O'Leary or via the VW Camper Van, the Europhile Irish political class would do well to try to cash in on the expected feelgood factor to secure a "yes" vote.