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06 Sept 2025

Kildare Senator calls for ‘Yes-Yes’ vote in March referenda

The referenda will take place on March 8

Kildare Senator calls for ‘Yes-Yes’ vote in March referenda

From left to right: Minister Norma Foley, An Tánaiste Micheál Martin, Senator Fiona O’Loughlin, and Thomas Byrne TD. Photograph supplied by Damien Eagers.

Reporter:

Ciarán Mather

14 Feb 2024 3:05 PM

Email:

ciaran.mather@leinsterleader.ie

A Senator has called for those in County Kildare to vote 'Yes-Yes' in the referenda taking place next month.

Fianna Fáil Senator Fiona O’Loughlin has called for a ‘Yes Yes’ vote in the upcoming referendums, which relate to the status of Family and Care in Irish society.

She made the comments as part of the Fianna Fáil panel at the party’s campaign launch ahead of the referendums.
 
The Newbridge-based politician said: "Our Constitution was drafted over 87 years ago... By its very design, it was intended to be changed by the prevailing will of the people.
"It is a living and breathing document that should reflect contemporary society."
She continued: "We have made 32 amendments to date, the third highest rate of amendments among European countries.
"The 1937 political system and wider society was by its very nature patriarchal, and the Constitution reflected that reality."
Senator O'Loughlin said that the amendments, if passed, would recognise 'the wider concept of the family, that is not solely based on marriage while at the same time continuing to protect the institution of marriage.'
She continued: "In addition to recognising the evolving nature of families, the referendum also aims to eliminate outdated references to the roles of women in society and acknowledge the invaluable contributions of all individuals, regardless of gender, in providing care within the family unit, and in broader society.
"87 years ago, when the constitution was drafted, the vast majority of women did not work outside the home.
"That has changed now, and it should be acknowledged that a woman’s place is not just in the home, but in the workplace, the boardroom, the local Council, the Oireachtas and wherever she wishes to be."
 
"Society doesn’t stand still; I strongly urge people to come out and vote 'Yes' and 'Yes' on March 8 to update and modernise our Constitution and reflect the progressive Ireland of today," she concluded.

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