The 2024 referendums on family and care, although of some political interest, are likely to be just a minor note in history as the year hopefully promises more notable electoral contests. The rejection of both proposed amendments, concerning the definition of family and the carers’ role, doesn’t carry the same surprise element or political weight as the voting on the Nice and Lisbon Treaties in the 2000’s. It probably won’t invigorate activists in the way the 1986 divorce referendum’s dismissal did. Instead, the results might be likened more to the failed 2011 bid to boost the authority of Oireachtas committees or the 2015 unsuccessful initiative by a Fine Gael-Labour coalition to decrease the voting age in presidential elections. To put it another way, their political influence will likely be ephemeral.
Yet, the rejection of the amendments isn’t without consequences, as we noted in our previous editorial. It brought discomfort to the government and sorrow to the opposition parties and NGOs that advocated the amendments. Although the outcome probably won’t influence the upcoming elections, it still stands as an unwanted public rebuff for every Yes-supporting TD or Senator on the brink of the election period. Meanwhile, the outdated clause about the mother’s “home responsibilities,” the main target of the intensive reform campaign, remains in the Constitution. Furthermore, the family will continue to be defined in a manner that is out of line with social consensus. A number of No campaigners argued that they could have accepted a new formulation on both matters. Given these conditions, it’s quite an achievement to have arrived at a losing conclusion.
Our extensive reporting on the referendums continues at irishtimes.com. Jennifer Bray discusses the winning and losing strategies of the campaign, while Pat Leahy investigates the political repercussions. Hugh Linehan and our politics team dig deeper into these topics in a special episode of the Inside Politics podcast. You may peruse the results from all constituencies on our results webpage.
This weekend, we delve deeply into the intriguing revelations of a formal investigation into the deeds of a man known as Stakeknife, a reputed member of the IRA and a British agent, who’s believed to be the late Freddie Scappaticci. According to the findings reported by Seanín Graham, it has been discovered that UK’s intelligence services allowed severe offences, including homicides, to happen without any punishment, to safeguard their infiltrators within paramilitary organisations. Much still remains unknown about Scappaticci, his incentives and operations, however, the revealing profile by Gerry Moriarty helps to clarify some confusion.
Mark Mehigan expressed, ‘Without cocaine, I would have kept indulging in alcohol and never would have sought recovery.’
Contemplating on how an assortment of petty criminals from Dublin in the 1980s developed into an international criminal syndicate, possessing wealth surpassing €1 billion, has been our priority for a long duration. Conor Lally, our Crime and Security Editor, embarked on a journey to Dubai this week to observe the lavish facility where it is presumable that top-ranking members of the gang have taken refuge while law enforcement agencies in Ireland and the US intensify their actions to enforce the law.
Our global correspondents had a busy week. Keith Duggan, Washington Correspondent, witnessed US president Joe Biden’s fervent State of the Union speech, contradicting his “Sleepy Joe” stereotype, from the House of Representatives chamber. Denis Staunton, our China Correspondent, brought stories from the villages of Mosuo, present in southwest China, one of the last living matriarchal societies. Meanwhile, Derek Scally, our Germany Correspondent, described the polarised reception to Jonathan Glazer’s The Zone of Interest, a controversial Holocaust movie that has received praise in English-speaking countries, including a rare five-star approval from Donald Clarke. Other contributory reports include the knowledgeable dispatches from Sally Hayden from Mosul in Iraq and Daniel McLaughlin from Kharkiv, Ukraine.
This weekend offers a range of features, such as Malachy Clerkin’s interview with All-Ireland champion Orlagh Lally discussing her psychological challenges and the loss of her acquaintance, Red Óg Murphy. Additionally, Mark Paul converses with millionaire and previous prodigy trader, Gary Stevenson. Enjoy Miriam Lord’s distinctive weekly recap from Leinster House.
The English Rugby team outperformed Ireland at Twickenham, shattering the Irish dream of back-to-back Grand Slams. Today on irishtimes.com, our resident rugby correspondents delve into the aftermath of this defeat with detailed reports from Gerry Thornley, player ratings from Johnny Watterson, and thorough analysis by John O’Sullivan.
This year’s Academy Awards have caught Irish attention due to Cillian Murphy, nominated for Best Actor. Murphy engaged in a comprehensive chat with Patrick Freyne, while Donald Clarke shared his predictions for the winners in each major segment on the In the News podcast. The show begins at 11pm Irish local time and every moment will be covered on irishtimes.com live blog.
On irishtimes.com, you’ll find more, including the latest film reviews, recommendations for top dining experiences, and the most recent sporting news. Exclusive additional content is available for Irish Times subscribers. In the On the Money newsletter this week, Joanne Hunt discusses the consequences of taking a mortgage payment pause. Subscribe here to get the weekly newsletter delivered direct to your inbox each Friday.
We encourage reader feedback and welcome your opinions. Feel free to send any commentary, critique, or propose topics you’re interested in to feedback@irishtimes.com.
Ruadhán Mac Cormaic
Editor