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A country awaits.

Across the country, the ballot boxes are being closed in the referendum on the 36th amendment to the Irish constitution. The referendum will decide whether to retain or replace the 8th amendment to the constitution, which endows the unborn with the equal right to life of the mother. This amendment was introduced by referendum in 1983 in light of the liberalisation of other countries' abortion regimes. Following the seminal US Supreme Court decision in Roe v Wade, there was a concern that the Irish Supreme Court could follow suit and legalise abortion in Ireland.

Here's an excellent video from the Irish Times chronicling how and why the amendment was introduced and its effects over the past 35 years.


Today it has been reported that the turnout in certain constituencies is remarkably high, and has eclipsed that in the marriage equality referendum. One affluent, young area near where I live is reported to have a turnout of 73%. In contrast, a constituency 40 minutes west of me was reported to have a turnout of just 36% at 7:30pm this evening. It will be interesting to see whether an urban-rural divide taints the results. Interestingly, the turnout for the 1983 referendum which introduced the 8th amendment to the Irish constitution was 53%. Today's higher turnout probably says a lot about our willingness to engage with this issue now, and the importance we now attach to this issue.

I've followed some excellent coverage in the Irish Times over the past number of weeks and months. The editorial has been impartial and comprehensive, and the Inside Politics Podcast with Hugh Linehan has distilled the campaign news of the week into an easily-digestible 30 minutes. Great journalism like this is certainly worth paying for.

I have been impressed by the media throughout the course of the campaign. Guidelines from the Broadcasting Authority did not require broadcasters to give equal time to each side of the debate, nor did it require a contribution from one side to be counteracted with a contribution from the other. These guidelines were adhered to pragmatically by broadcasters and there was healthy, fact-based debate. Broadcasters weren't afraid to stand their ground to ensure independence from pressure from either side, and presenters were quick to clarify matters which may have been incorrect.

The debates I listened to were largely respectful and civil. RTE redeemed itself in its second Claire Byrne debate, which was dignified in comparison to the first debate which featured insults from both sides, campaigners being labelled 'liars' and cheering from the audience.

Tonight we will see the exit polls on the referendum, and it is likely that we will have final results tomorrow afternoon.

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