Has the final decision been made regarding the familial and care referendums? The answer to this question was eagerly awaited by both advocates and opponents at Leinster House’s ultimate media briefings on Wednesday, where they made firm commitments to their respective voters.
An initial understanding is projected to surface from counts in different centres on Saturday. We can reasonably foresee a final pronouncement by Saturday afternoon unless the results are in close competition.
There was an apparent show of professionalism by both factions on Wednesday, but internally, the sentiment among government TDs has somewhat deteriorated.
Members of both Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, and the Green Party, along with their ministry, have organised teams of promoters who have spread out in communities across the country. The feedback they’ve received has triggered a sense of uncertainty regarding the final outcome amongst many.
The first four politicians who The Irish Times engaged with upon entering Leinster House on Wednesday privately confessed their disbelief in the success of the care referendum, which is unofficially termed as the “women-in-the-home” referendum.
These politicians, all from different parties and who’ve been recently promoting their parties, shared their doubts. “No,” one TD flatly responded when questioned about the referendums’ success, whereas another speculated, “If the care referendum does get through, it’ll be by the smallest possible margin.”
Another TD noted, “The households I’ve been calling on – some individuals are blissfully unaware of the upcoming referendum. Others are aware of it, but clueless about its nuances. It has transformed into something too intricate and bewildering.”
Fianna Fáil TD Paul McAuliffe reciprocated these sentiments, citing similar feedback from the voters during his recent promotional activities. “The issue is a complicated one, and many are finding it challenging to comprehend. Some are taking that complexity and relating it to their own personal circumstances. Questions like ‘what if my spouse was unfaithful and left me for someone else?’ are being raised. This complexity could potentially dissuade people, causing them to dismiss the situation,” he expressed.
McAuliffe has been involved in discussions surrounding the proposed family amendment, which seeks to broaden the understanding of family to encompass those founded on marriage and other enduring relationships. The No side have raised queries about the number of these enduring relationships one can participate in simultaneously and the resulting financial implications this might have.
[For comprehensive coverage of the referendum, click here]
As for the care amendment, which aims to supplant the language that currently addresses a woman’s life and a mother’s responsibilities at home with text acknowledging familial care, McAuliffe has been taken aback by some women’s reactions.
“Some women have serious concerns about the plan to erase these antiquated references to female domesticity, but a significant number have also expressed to me that they’ve dedicated their life to their household, and feel as if the State is somehow dismissing the decision they’ve made.”
[The referendums on family and care: What’s the discord? Is there anything obscured?]
According to McAuliffe, the referendum is set to be an intensely close contest. Many are yet to settle on a decision. A broadcast blackout will be enacted from 2pm on Thursday and will remain in place until the polling stations shut.
[Referendums on March 8th: All debates, theories, disagreements, and ‘mansplaining’ condensed]
[Referendum breakdown: Affirmative votes ‘won’t create immediately evident rights’]
– For the latest analysis and conversation, tune in to our Inside Politics Podcast
– Register for push notifications to get the top news, analysis, and commentary delivered straight to your phone
– Keep up-to-date with The Irish Times on WhatsApp.