“It feels like a 'no' vote in the family and care referendums. The first thing we have to say is that we respect that. It is the voice of the people, and in our Constitution, the people are sovereign.
The yes vote was supported by:
– The three government parties
– Almost all opposition parties
– The NGO sector is worth 6 billion euros annuallyWith the exception of a couple of rogue independents, poorly resourced street activists, and Ontu's Peadar Toibin, there was basically no “no”…
– Ben Scallan (@Ben_Scallan) March 9, 2024
Unlike other countries, the Irish Constitution can only be amended through a nationwide referendum with majority support from the Irish people.
Senator Michael McDowell, who campaigned vociferously for a 'no' vote, said the results indicated a “huge margin across the country”.
He explained: “It seems that the government misjudged the mood of voters and presented them with proposals that they did not explain, which could have serious consequences.”
“The government has misjudged the mood of voters,” says Senator Michael McDowell, as statistics from across the country show referendums on the family and care issue look set to be comprehensively defeated | Follow live updates: https://t.co/7ac7kS3wlr pic.twitter.com/76c3GimtO6
– RTÉ News (@rtenews) March 9, 2024
Progressives have previously won in Irish referendums, as the country voted in favor of same-sex marriage and legalizing abortion in 2015 and 2018, respectively.
