Referendums to be tight

For the first time since 2018, the people of Ireland will be asked to vote on whether or not to change the constitution on Friday.

Tomorrow, Friday, Irish citizens will be asked to vote in two referendums; one on the the concept of family in the constitution, and one proposing to delete an existing part of the constitution and insert new text providing recognition for care provided by family members to each other.

All major political parties are advocating in favour of a yes-yes vote, bar Aontú who want a no-no vote.

Micheál Martin TD, Tánaiste, and leader of Fianna Fáil strongly supported a yes vote on both proposals saying that he believes the amendments would mark an important statement of inclusion in modern Ireland.

"What is before the people is an important statement that we want a constitution which respects the reality of Irish society. A reality which is more inclusive. A reality which respects the right of women to choose their own role in society. A reality which acknowledges the diversity of Irish families. A reality which values the role of care for our more vulnerable citizens," said Mr Martin.

Cork People Before Profit TD, Mick Barry, who had previously advocated for a yes-yes vote, this week changed his vote to yes-no, voting no on the Care referendum

He said: "A public representative needs their mouth but they also need a good pair of ears. In recent weeks I have been advocating for a yes-yes vote in the referendums that are taking place on Friday. "On the care referendum, I have argued for a yes on the grounds that it would remove sexist language from the constitution. However, I have heard a growing number of rank and file carers, people with disabilities, who have made strong arguments for a no vote. "They clearly feel that the Government’s wording of ‘striving’ to support care rather than guaranteeing support for care, and locating care within the family unit rather than extending responsibility into society and to the state – they feel that that falls a long way short of what is needed."