Voters go to the polls today in a referendum to decide the future of the European Union. And make no mistake about it, those who have the privilege of voting will determine to a very large degree the future of the Irish who reside in this part of Ireland as much as in their own.

As we move steadily towards an all-island economy, the Lisbon Treaty vote will influence how Irish interests are viewed in Europe. A negative vote, for the wrong reasons or from misunderstanding, would have a detrimental effect on how we are perceived by our European partners and, especially, by the officials in Brussels who determine so much in our lives.

Heretofore, we Irish have been regarded as 'super-Europeans' and that reputation has served us well. As English-speaking islanders, our enthusiasm for a community with our continental partners marked us out as radically different from our Euro-sceptic – even Europhobic – neighbours in Britain. The fruits of that were in abundance when we sought regional and social funding, when we needed derogation or special accommodation, when the Peace funds started to flow and kept coming and even when major tasks were needed at the heart of Europe. Ireland punches way above its weight in the western world's largest economic bloc and Irish people have benefited hugely from that, not least in the recruitment of Irish candidates for EU jobs and even within a wider Europe where we occupy some of the top posts.

It would be rash and alarmist to say that all of this will crash down in a 'No' vote. However, to deny it would have a negative impact on those who put together a treaty to allow further development of the European project, would be naïve and short-sighted. Today's vote has to be about the terms of the Lisbon treaty, not about any issues that can be settled in a Europe that knows where it is going. For that reason, it is regrettable that the 'Yes" side left it so late to scotch rumours and misinformation.

For its part, the 'No' side has presented a formidable campaign and, as sole party flag-bearer, Sinn Féin carried out its responsibility of political opposition in keeping with long-standing policies. Yet with two highly regarded MEPs at the heart of the European Union, even Sinn Féin knows that Europe is good for Ireland. We snub it at our peril.