Referendum!

[springbrigid]

Anyone inclined to give an opinion? I am leaning towards a yes/no vote, the yes to remove what I see as sexist language in the constitution, the no because the government are so appalling in terms of providing services and rights to disabled citizens and I feel the clause is paternalistic and pushes care on families yet again

This answers the question

https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2024/03/06/government-says-organisations-with-public-funding-would-best-avoid-publishing-information-about-referendums/

But where does it leave the NWCI?
Did they use public funds to campaign for a yes yes vote?

https://twitter.com/NWCI/status/1762076901097542101?t=vB7SoNxufEtdAtGgT6Wjqg&s=19

I get you about non RTE sources but they were so dreadful about Repeal. All sorts of lies and complete and utter vitriol. They were totally biased and made no effort to hide it whatsoever. I'd go so far as to say they were bordering on the Trump model. As I said up thread, I didn't realise they were still around, but I would take anything there with a v large pinch of salt.

I am struggling to understand how quick people are to dismiss this article. Yes the wording is sexist, but surely the value that it enshrines is an important one. Is it not entirely reasonable that the Constitution reflects the reality that women cannot be expected to work, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy and in the first weeks (at least) of her child's life? Is this not the value that underpins maternity legislation? Surely we should be updating the language not removing the value entirely? Am I missing something?

The last of the debates on The Tonight Show tonight, Helen McEntee vs Michael McDowell. I'll be tuning in!

I think that is part of the dilemma for a lot of people. To be honest, I am struggling to understand exactly what the Government are hoping to achieve with the proposed changes.

Agreed. They’re being sued as they named an innocent man as the perpetrator in the attack in Parnell Square so I hope that’s the end of them. The Village did a good exposé of their editor recently, a really nasty piece of work.

Yes and last night said having children was ‘exquisite agony’

I didn't say that? I said a low turnout.

I just watched that there. Curious turn of phrase 😂

I remember the 'exquisite agony ' of infected post partum stitches. I felt so blessed 😄

She’s part of the Iona Institute so I guess that’s where the money comes from. I don’t know why RTÉ use her so much in debates, she isn’t an elected politician, she hasn’t practiced law in more than 10 years, the last two referenda she supported failed miserably and she’s hardly representative of much of the population, so why should she be given a platform?

ha me too

I wonder is she related to someone in there? Although I assume we'd have heard if that was the case by now. I got the sense during Repeal that she was a convenient person to put out, she was educated and attractive and actually female. Women were thin on the ground on the anti side. So she was a good fit.

Well thats me convinced the Government is trying to sink this referendum

As far as I know there's no requirement for a minimum turnout in a referendum. A few in the past had 28% to 29% turnouts and there was no challenge to them.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amendments_to_the_Constitution_of_Ireland

I suppose they have a roster of people who will reliably go on the telly at short notice and not collapse with nerves and they don't look any further.

Thanks!

Can't wait to see the outcome after last nights car crash! Mehole made up many of the undecided voters minds last night that's for sure 😁

@miri1985 The Tonight Show has Helen McEntee & Michael McDowell debating the family act.
Also Norma Foley & Aontú's Peadar Tóbín debating care.
I know who my money is on 😁

I really dislike this supposedly "clever" referring to Micheál Martin as Mehole. It's not clever. It just makes the person using it look a bit nasty.

As they say - play the ball, not the man. His performance last night was appalling. Focus on that, rather than childish name calling.

I can imagine the man has been called a lot worse during his tenure. This is the man that likes to label anyone who doesn't agree with the party line as "right wing"!

Interesting that they have two women on the government side vs two opposing men.

I'm sure he has. It doesn't make the childish name calling clever or right.

And I disagree vehemently with the labelling of anyone who disagrees with the orthodoxy as right wing. It's divisive and achieves nothing.

@OchonAgusOchonOh I agree with you wholeheartedly on that. The incessant trying to silence opinions with the "right wing" slur is just pathetic.

McEntee might surprise us. Place your bets.....