Holly: A low turnout threatens ‘Yes’ vote
Cairns’ concern over referenda as Ireland prepares to go to the polls
SOCIAL Democrats leader Holly Cairns has admitted it is a “possibility” that next week’s referenda on family and care will not pass.
Ahead of the vote on March 8, the Irish Mirror sat down with Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns and Labour boss Ivana Bacik.
Their parties are supporting a yes vote in both proposed amendments.
Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou Mcdonald did not respond to repeated requests for an interview ahead of the referenda.
Her party is also advocating NUMBERS for a yes/yes vote. Ms Cairns admitted there is a lot of confusion and misunderstanding about the referenda and there is a fear there may be a weak turnout.
She acknowledged there is a possibility they may not pass if people do not vote.
She asked: “What do I think the likelihood is [that it fails]? I think it is possible. But I don’t know what the likelihood is. The embarrassment would lie at the door of this Government. We have consistently warned them since they announced it this was a possibility.
“We are advocating for a yes vote [in the care amendment]. Ultimately, [constitution language] is sexist, it’s misogynistic and doesn’t bear out in reality in women’s lives in Ireland at all. We need to remove the language in the constitution. It is the same in the family referendum. That is not the reality of so many families in Ireland. They need to be recognised under the constitution.”
One of the big questions has been about the definition of a “durable relationship” and what this could mean.
Equality Minister Roderic O’gorman said ultimately it will be for the courts to decide what a durable relationship is.
Ms Bacik said it would be a “tangible” change for the 180,000 cohabiting couples and 220,000 lone parents in Ireland if the referenda passed.
She added: “It is an enduring relationship or a committed relationship. It’s not just within an intimate relationship between a couple because clearly, it’s also a parent-child relationship.”