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

https://www.goloudplayer.com/episodes/referendums-explainer-from-ms-ju-ZjA2ZmM3MjQ4M2M5NmM4YTI1YjU1OGExZTEwMGQ0YTQ=

Here's a recording from yesterdays Pat Kenny show, speaking with Justice Marie Baker from the Electoral Commission. She's very fair, and seems unbiased, however I can't help feeling there is so much where she just says 'we can't know how that will be affected' or similar.

She also states towards the end of the interview that many rights in tax law or inheritance law already exist for cohabiting relationships etc. I can't help wondering why then is this being pushed, what is the big deal in changing this?

That is an excellent post. I know so many people who are saying the same thing. People who don't want to vote SF but no longer see any difference between FF and FG.
Presumably, the Greens or the SD will be in with a good chance of forming a coalition next time, or, even worse, PBP. Either way, they will push through policies that haven't been voted for by the majority of the electorate.
I really don't see any significant difference between the the policies of the 3 major parties and the result is that there is no serious opposition party to hold whoever is next in power to account.

I am politically homeless for years. I used to be labour but then JB jumped into bed with FG and through everyone under a bus with the cuts, smart ass iPhone comments about the water charges.

SF have not done anything as opposition.

I think it will be a FF/SF government next year. MM has shown he hop into bed with the devil to he in government.

FG are shocking and they did get less seats than FF and SF in last election.

The Greens are a disaster as well. All they want to do is open more & more cycle lanes...

Who is JB @Dublincailin ?

And block every potential road.

And add more tax to everything as if we're not paying enough.

@LadyEloise1

Joan Burton. iPhone Joan

I'm not sure how the greens will fare in next elections. Not good I hope. ER, another one who will sell his soul to devil for power

I hope so the thought of Rodders getting an even bigger letter salad portfolio is scary thought.

He is supposed to marginalised. But is happy to move funds to fund his favourite NGO's when there are serious questions about their account transparency and had funding refused.

You can't get a train from Cork to Rosslare ffs. My English based brother is flight phobic and wouldn't believe this .He went online to try and prove me wrong 😂.
Ended up getting train x boat to Dublin and the train to Cork. Fix this shit and then worry about air pumps and cycle lanes.

On the Gript/Leo walkout
https://twitter.com/GregHughes2/status/1760685111622922419?t=zhjpRGA2TvibHQImVXKelA&s=19

The question being asked was not disingenuous, in my opinion, it was a very relevant question and, in not answering it, I think Leo looks guilty of not calling out misinformation if it is from the "right" people.
In addition, I think he is contributing to growing division, similar to what we have seen in the USA.

I don't think the leaders can see stifling voices and shouting people down as racist.

It is driving it underground where it festers are boils over into the riots, arson etc.

I don't think that is purely immigration, people are being ignored, their voices, concerns etc are being dismissed about all issues.

It is completely disingenuous to claim to be left wing while refusing to listen to anyone who does not agree.

It is completely disingenuous to claim to be left wing while refusing to listen to anyone who does not agree.

Unfortunately, that seems to be very much what the left are about these days. And I say that as someone who always thought of myself as left wing, I'm not really sure who I align with anymore.

I would have said left wing is tolerant and ready to listen and debate preconceived ideas.

But not now, it's seems to be that if you're not with them you are a rightwing racist.

There is a huge amount of middle ground but it's ignored, I can think it is because a lot of their causes fall apart with debate and sunlight, with answers to the hard questions.

Most recent question been define durable relationship.

Should no answers to hard questions

Conor McGregor has it all over his social media vote No & No.

Basically saying anything government campaign yes for, don't do it.

He has a lot of followers and first time ever my DS asked how can he vote.

I've been trying for years to encourage him to register to vote and no.

Is there a way to apply online, does anyone know the cut off date.

Like him or loathe him. He has a following.

@Dublincailin I think it's too late to register now, but check the register https://www.electoralcommission.ie/referendums/how-to-vote/

I think the registration deadline has passed. Pity Conor didn't start his no campaign back in Jan to encourage any of his followers who hadn't registered to do it immediately.
Not a fan either but he has a huge loyal following. Strength in numbers. Keep up the good work Conor!

I don't have a lot of time for him, credit for what he accomplished but he gives off a persona of a stinking attitude.

In this instance I am happy to be on his side, vote no.

Where the feck are the IWC getting the money to fund the Yes campaign? A government funded NGO full of privileged women telling other women that removing the word mother will make their lives better.

You couldn’t make it up Ted.

Where’s the Impartiality?

Vote No No.

Are we feeling more confident for a no vote next week? Most people I spoke to are no or undecided.

Anyone I spoke to are leaning towards no.

The whole durable relationship is been questioned so people leaning towards no.

I know it's wrong, (but government are happy to spread misinformation Catherine Martin, im looking at you)

I have been suggesting potential consequences like mothers loosing automatic right to child benefit.

Also SAHM parents, mainly mothers will get penalised in pension years. That only changed in 2012.

Couple of friends have SN relatives and making them consider is the state planning to wash their hands to supporting grown adults to live as independently as possible.

Getting women thinking they could lose out financially and with Rodders refusing to release the paperwork forcing them to deny and then demanding proof.

@VoteNONO

I think it will be a lot closer than government expected. Not a given. They only need 50.01% to win.

They simply cannot answer the questions people are asking.

So people are plummeting towards better the devil you know.

I think it's a case of poke holes get people thinking.

Also huge amount of potential misinformation floating around SM and a lot of it is about asylum seekers. Another part is about trans.

Although I say misinformation, the fact is we simply don't know as we are not being told.

You couldn't make it up Rodders does not know what a woman is but he is very please to be announcing the Mother & Baby home financial package. Same time as trying to take the word mother from constitution.

I wonder how many trans women will be applying for the scheme. I mean after all apparently trans women are women.

To survivors, former residents, their families and advocates,

I am writing to share with you two significant updates which I brought to Government this morning, and to send you this year’s first Quarterly Update on the implementation of the Action Plan for Survivors and Former Residents of Mother and Baby and County Home Institutions. The Quarterly Update is available here.._

Opening of the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme

I am pleased to announce that the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme will open to applications on 20 March 2024. This is obviously a highly significant milestone in the Government’s overall response to the legacy of these institutions, and has been long-awaited by many of you. Inside the Quarterly Update, you will find information relating to the opening of the Scheme, how you can apply, and what you will need in order to make an application.

Although the online application portal, and hard copy application forms, will not be available until 20 March, there are other things you can do to get ready. In this Quarterly Update, you will find some information on what documentation you will need to apply, so that you can have some of this prepared in advance of submitting your application.

I am very conscious that many potential applicants to the Scheme are elderly, and so I would like to reassure you that, in line with my long-standing promise to you, the Scheme will give priority to older applicants.

Appointment of a Special Advocate for Survivors

I am also pleased to announce that, following an independent and open recruitment campaign conducted by the Public Appointments Service, I have appointed Ms Patricia Carey to the role of Special Advocate for Survivors.

The appointment of a Special Advocate for Survivors fulfils a core commitment in the Government’s Action Plan, which recognises that the response of Government to the legacy of these institutions must be directly informed by the voices of those most centrally affected.

Ms Carey will take up her role as Special Advocate from 25 March.

Best wishes,

Roderic O’Gorman T.D.

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth