President back in poll position
Higgins and politicians out to cast votes for referenda
PRESIDENT Michael D Higgins was among those who turned out to vote on proposed changes to the Irish constitution yesterday.
Mr Higgins and his wife Sabina voted at their polling station at St Mary’s Hospital in Phoenix Park.
It is the first time he has been seen in public since he was discharged from hospital on Thursday.
Mr Higgins, 82, was admitted to St James’s Hospital in Dublin last Thursday evening after experiencing a “mild transient weakness”.
After a seven-night stay, he returned to his official residence, Aras an Uachtarain, on Thursday.
Polls opened yesterday morning on the twin referenda.
They propose changing the wording of the constitution relating to the areas of family and care.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Tanaiste Micheal Martin and Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou Mcdonald also voted. The family amendment proposes extending the meaning of family beyond one defined by marriage and to include those based on “durable” relationships.
The care amendment proposes deleting references to a woman’s roles and duties in the home, and replacing it with a new article that acknowledges family carers.
The constitution is the fundamental legal document for the country and can only be changed with the approval of Irish citizens through a national vote.
The campaigns have led to national debates over the role of women in the home, what responsibility the State has for care and the meaning of family.
The Irish Government is campaigning for a Yes vote in both amendments.
It said the changes will remove sexist language, recognise family care and extend protection to families not based on marriage.
The polls closed at 10pm yesterday and the result of the referenda, which are decided by majority, are expected today.
While voter turnout was very low during the early part of yesterday, it picked up considerably in the evening.
Many parts of Dublin saw the turnout reach over 40%, while it passed 50% in other areas of the country.
Some polling stations in Cork City hit 50% turnout by evening.
At 8pm, the three constituencies in Cork County were averaging over 36%.
That is still below the last referendum in 2018, the referendum on removing the Eighth Amendment, and more in line with referendums held in 2012 and 2013.
The national result will be announced at Dublin Castle, with the family amendment due to counted and declared first.
The results for the care amendment will not be processed until the family count is finished.