Clear ‘no’ for Irish referendums

Media caption, Leo Varadkar says amendments have been “defeated comprehensively”.

Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Leo Varadkar says “it is clear” that two referendums have been defeated.

Counting is continuing but results from some constituencies have been emerging on proposed changes to the Irish Constitution.

Early indications show significant numbers of ‘no’ votes.

One change could alter the definition of family to include those not based on marriage, while the other could remove reference to women in the home.

Results for the family referendum have been announced from 38 of the 39 constituencies.

So far 32.3% for ‘yes’ compared to 67.7% for ‘no’.

The highest ‘no’ votes have come in Laois-Offaly 75.7%, Mayo at 75.5% and Longford-Westmeath with 74.6%.

So far, only Dún Laoghaire, south-east of Dublin has voted narrowly in favour of changing the definition of a family.

Image source, Ronald Grant

Image caption, Results from Friday’s referendum are coming in

Mr Varadkar said it was clear both amendments had been “defeated comprehensively on a respectable turnout”.

He said the Irish government accepted the result and will “respect it fully.”

“As head of government and on behalf of the government, we accept responsibility for the result,” he said.

“It was our responsibility to convince the majority of people to vote ‘Yes’ and we clearly failed to do so.”

Meanwhile, tánaiste (Irish deputy prime minister) Micheál Martin said he fully accepted the decision of the Irish people.

“On this occasion, the majority clearly were not persuaded as to the merits of the two proposals put forward,” he said.

According to Irish state broadcaster RTÉ turnout for the family referendum was 43.4%.

Earlier on Saturday Green Party Leader Eamon Ryan who campaigned for ‘yes’ said the result would be respected.

Image source, PA Media

Image caption, Green Party Leader Eamon Ryan says the result will have to be respected

Mr Ryan said: “It’s the voice of the people and in our constitution, it’s the people who are sovereign.

“It’s they who decide what goes into our constitution.”

Mr Ryan, who was at the RDS count centre in Dublin said: “If it is a no vote in both, we will have to respect that.”

Image source, PA Media

Image caption, Mary Lou McDonald says that her party is still “very much” in touch with the public

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald was jeered by a small crowd and called “a traitor to the Irish people” as she arrived at Dublin Castle.

Her party advocated for a “yes-yes” vote but she said the government had “come up short in terms of the caring wording” and there had been a “lack of clarity”.

Ms McDonald said the people of Ireland had spoken “very, very definitively” but insisted her party were still “very much” in touch with the public.

“They disregarded the citizens assembly, they didn’t consult with opposition or with other stakeholders. They didn’t collaborate, and they failed to convince,” she said.

Image source, PA Media

Image caption, Ballots are continuing to be counted in twin Irish referendums

Government misjudged mood of electorate – McDowell

Senator Michael McDowell, who opposed changes to the Irish constitution, said the results suggested a “no-no substantial margin right across the country”.

Mr McDowell a previous tánaiste (deputy prime minister) and justice minister said: “It seems like the government misjudged the mood of the electorate and put before them proposals which they didn’t explain, proposals which could have serious consequences.”

‘Virtue signalling’ – Tóibín

Aontú Leader Peadar Tóibín who also backed the ‘no’ campaign, described the amendments as government “virtue signalling” with vague language.

Image caption, Peadar Tóibín describes the amendments proposed as “virtue signalling”

He added: “The Sinn Féin leadership look marooned from their former support base, from their voters and that’s a very dangerous place for Mary Lou and the Sinn Féin leadership to be.”

Watershed moment for disabled citizens – Clonan

Senator Tom Clonan described the wording in the care referendum as “toxic” to the fundamental human rights of disabled citizens.

Mr Clonan, who has a 22-year-old disabled son, said he hoped there would now be a conversation about “ableism”.

He said a ‘yes’ vote would have brought Ireland into international disrepute.

“The state has been abject in its treatment of disabled citizens. We now have an opportunity to debate that going forward, and find ways to really bring ourselves in line with the rest of Europe and how we vindicate the rights of disabled citizens.

“I’m hoping that this is a watershed moment for disabled citizens.”

What were voters asked about family?

Those taking part in Friday’s referendum were presented with two ballots – one white and one green – and were asked to vote yes (Tá) or no (Níl).

The white ballot asked if voters accepted or rejected the Thirty-Ninth Amendment of the Constitution Bill – otherwise known as the Family amendment.

The Irish constitution currently offers legal protections to the family unit, but ties the concept of family to the institution of marriage.

Image source, PA Media

Image caption, The amendment sought to expand the constitutional definition of family to include other “durable relationships”

The amendment sought to expand the constitutional definition of family to include other “durable relationships” such as unmarried couples and single parent families.

What is the Care amendment?

The green ballot asked voters to accept or reject the Fortieth Amendment of the Constitution Bill – or the Care amendment.

Currently the Irish constitution – or Bunreacht na hÉireann – says mothers should not have to go out into the workplace to the neglect of their “duties in the home”.

It also states that women’s “life within the home” is a source of support to the state which is necessary for the “common good”.

The amendment asked for both of these articles to be deleted and a new text to be added saying the state “shall strive to support” the provision of family-based care.