KERRY SAYS YES: NO SIGNS OF URBAN-RURAL DIVIDE AS KERRY VOTES FOR REPEAL PLUS FULL POLL BOX TALLIES

THERE has been a mixed response to the result of Saturday’s referendum from Kerry TDs and Senators though those on the ‘No’ side have said that they will honour the will of the people and will not seek to block any forthcoming legislation.

Fianna Fáil TD John Brassil, who voted in favour of holding the referendum but against the Oireachtas committee proposal that was laid before the electorate in the end, said he would not oppose the looming legislation.

“I certainly won’t oppose the legislation. I will vote for it. The referendum was held with the heads of bill clearly laid out, and the vote was overwhelming and comprehensive and I will of course respect the will of the people,” Deputy Brassil said.

Like many of his colleagues in the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party, he said he had found the 12-week provision difficult to accept.

However, Deputy Brassil had made clear from an early point in the referendum campaign that he was prepared to accept the will of the people should they vote, as they overwhelmingly did, to repeal the Eighth Amendment.

Tourism Minister Brendan Griffin – who had backed Repeal but said he was totally opposed to allowing unrestricted abortions up to 12 weeks – could not be contacted for comment but he previously indicated that he will wait to see the exact wording of any proposed legislation before making a decision onhowtovote.

A spokesperson for the Minister said he expects the Keel TD will – like the vast majority of his Oireachtas colleagues – respect the clear wishes of the electorate.

Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris – who made several emotional contributions to the abortion debate as he campaigned for a ‘Yes’ vote – said the result had righted a terrible injustice to women.

Deputy Ferris said the young had played a major role in the outcome of the vote and he thanked the Kerry voters who helped deliver a “resounding ‘Yes’”.

He also reached out to those in the county who had voted against repealing the Eighth.

“I would like to thank everyone that has engaged with me, on the referendum, over the past number of months, whether you were voting ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. Your choice is deeply personal and I respect all those that, for whatever reasons, voted ‘Yes’ or ‘No’.

Meanwhile Listowel-based FF Senator Ned O’Sullivan – who was a strong and vocal advocate for a ‘Yes’ vote – welcomed the result which he said was a victory for the health and rights of women.

Fine Gael’s Killarney based Senator Paul Coghlan – who had campaigned for a ‘No’ vote – has described the result as ‘sad’ and said as the issue is now up to Ireland’s legislators, the country must wait and see what transpires.