First canvassers

[GrainneWail]

We've had our first Together for Yes and Love Both canvassers round tonight. I gave a cheery, "no need to stop, I'm voting your way", to the first and a cold "no thanks" through a barely opened door to the second. The no campaign's tactics and posters have upset me do much I couldn't even think of arguing with them although in an ideal world I'd have tied them up with an hour of wide eyed naivete to stop them getting to other people.

Have you had many yet, and how is your blood pressure afterwards?

I've not been canvassed, but I've been out canvassing (for the first time ever and I don't think anyone would ever expect me to do it!) for Together for Yes. It is a good experience and if you feel like it you should find your local group to join, everyone has been really friendly.

Have i missed something? What vote?

We haven't had any canvessers yet. If any of the No camp come to my door I'm not going to hold back on telling them what I think of their campaign.

Unfortunately I'm unable to vote myself despite living here for over 20 years as I'm not an Irish citizen. I'm going get that sorted before Brexit.

Fair play to you, rivierliedje. I'd love to canvas but I've some other commitments that I just can't give up right now to make time. I'm talking to everyone I can though and wearing my repeal pin in my coat!

Ferriswheel, we're having a referendum to repeal the eighth ammendment to our constitution here in Ireland. Hopefully it will pass anallow legislation for termination of pregnancy to be introduced.

HorseOutside, great name . I wanted to let rip about the posters but i just got so upset even seeing their pink hi vi's vests I knew I would just end up shouting and probably in tears so I didn't

Haven't had anyone canvass yet. Disappointed by the Together For Yes posters. Think they need to be a bit more useful.

I saw some tweets that the yes campaign will have their brand spanking new posters our and up this weekend. I think it will be hard for them to have the visual impact of the no side though. As hideous as they are, the pictures they are using are very striking and a short sentence just doesn't tell the yes story in the same way.

No canvassers here yet (village a half hour from city).

I'll vote yes. I met a group of Mums yesterday though and I was surprised that they all plan to vote no. One or two undecided but leaning towards no.

The main concern seemed to be that women will 'have abortions in their lunch breaks'. They actually all said that at some point in the conversation!

Am worried No side might win this vote..

It's amazing the amount of misinformation floating around Eight.
That's why canvassing is so great. We're under strict instructions to be concise, polite and if the person doesn't want a conversation/wants an argument to thank them for their time and move on.
The undecided ones ask all sorts of questions and those conversations are really interesting and often leave me feeling very positive.

I can't vote either Horse, I'm not a citizen either, but I can do this.

We've had one knock from the Yes side, and there's been a few stalls in our local park at the weekends. Nothing at all, not even leaflets, from the No side. I wonder whether it's because the particular area I'm in is seen as a 'No', and they aren't bothering? It's Dublin, but fairly conservative area (or is seen to be anyway). Thank goodness, because I don't think I'd be able for them. A friend of mine was called a baby murderer by one of their canvassers when she refused a leaflet! This stuff about convenience gives me the utter rage - do they actually know anything about the process of it? It might well be an easy decision for any given woman, but it is not an easy option. FFS.

I'm surprised at a number of my own friends who are no voters, or undecided. I did notice a couple of people on a whatsapp group who seemed to believe that termination for FFA was already provided for, one of whom also believed that termination for rape was also allowed already. I don't know where this misinformation is coming from, but some people are not clued in and are totally swayed by the emotive no posters to be honest. I don't believe in the 'good/bad' abortion narrative, but I think the Yes posters would probably be more powerful if they were more specific - 'compassion' is great, but doesn't mean a whole lot to people who don't understand what the issues really are.

Thanks to those of you canvassing for Yes, by the way. I'm in awe of you all. I don't think I could put myself out there like that, and I've tried to support as much as possible in other ways, but all repealers owe a big debt to you guys.

I'm really worried about the outcome of this vote as well. I am genuinely shocked by the amount of people supporting the "No" vote.

Especially young people! I can't believe it to be honest. And their arguments are ridiculous.. One guy I know was saying we should only be allowed abortions up to 5 weeks into pregnancy..otherwise we're cheating something from having a life. I'm sorry, what?? So uneducated and doesn't have a clue clearly.

It really is creating a divide and opening my eyes up to some people.

Haven't had either side knocking around my way yet (Dublin). I have biscuits for any Yes ones to keep them going and thoughts to share with any No ones.

Have had no canvassers yet. Certainly will be offering tea to yes canvassers.

Discussion on this issue will be on the late late show tonight

Haven't had any here yet. Thanks to all out canvassing for yes.
I too am worried about ending up in tears of inarticulate rage if no canvassers turn up.

The Claire Byrne Show which is about to start is a live debate on the referendum.

Meanwhile the bishop that keeps on giving is at it again, he doesn't believe in democracy.

I think the No side 'won' the Claire Byrne debate.... it's easier to make short snappy statements about this topic.

I'll be voting yes.

I have had several from both sides. Bizarrely the no ones seem more organised and pleasant. I think I mentioned it on here before. They are all extremely pleasant smiley young women. I don't engage with either side I just say " sorry I am busy". In truth I can't wait for the whole thing to be over I just don't have the headspace for it all.

Claire Byrne was out of her depth last night. It was car crash tv, the jeering, laughing, cheering and clapping after each comment made it difficult to watch and hear the speakers. It's too serious a subject to turn it into a pantomime.

My next door neighbour's 13 year old daughter got a polling card apparently -

I am hearing that the tv debate has swayed many undecideds towards no. On top of the cervical tests controversy, it seems that women’s health in Ireland is seen as a secondary issue and a political football. The no side has far more impact due to shock tactics and graphic imagery. I am hoping that people can see past this and realise that a no vote could deny their sister, daughter, friend or colleague from getting the proper medical care and support they need at a difficult and stressful time.

I really wish there was a ban on the posters on practically every lamppost and the 'No' van blaring pop music around Dublin city, displaying its very graphic posters.

In my town there were several people with balloons and music 'no'

Does anyone know what the polls are?

Simon Harris for the Yes side clearly won the debate tonight on Primetime.

I'm glad Harris did well last night, but ffs, two men debating the rights of women. I don't even know where to start.

Agree Grainne it makes my blood boil watching men debate women’s rights