A 'Yes' vote was supported by:
- All three government parties
- Almost all opposition parties
- The €6bn-a-year NGO sector
And with the exception of a couple of rogue Independents, poorly-resourced street activists and Aontú's Peadar Toibín, there was basically no 'No' campaign to speak of. That's basically zilch compared to the behemoth that is the State - the 'No' posters only went up at the 11th hour after 'Yes' had been campaigning for ages.
And it still appears to have been utterly destroyed in a crushing defeat for the referendum's proponents.
If this is not a wake-up call that there is a disconnect between the political establishment and the public, I don't know what is.
#Referendum2024 #Ref24
Early tallies in the referendum indicate a massive 'No' victory, with some areas indicating a 'No' vote of over 75%. @Ben_Scallan reports from Dublin Castle:
Early tallies suggest that a No vote will prevail in both referenda – and while campaigners stress the counting of votes will continue throughout the day, a clear pattern has emerged in count centres throughout the country.
https://t.co/LkI0ZkUKVp
All indications seem to suggest that the No vote is ahead in #Referendum2024. If indeed this is a No vote, there are serious questions to be asked about the conduct of the government, the mainstream media, and NGOs throughout this campaign. The government and many politicians consistently misinformed, withheld information, deceived, or just blatantly lied to the electorate.
Then we have Sinn Fein, who on my show disagreed with the wording of the amendments but still advocated the Yes vote, which shows they are just not listening to the people. The idea that they would threaten to rerun it again is undemocratic by their own admission.
There needs to be a full investigation into the practices of NGOs who used taxpayers' money on canvassing or promoting a Yes vote. Six billion is spent on NGOs in this country of five million people, and that bill needs to be addressed.
There is also the question as to why we spent almost 30 million on an unnecessary referendum. If indeed the people vote against the government and a No vote is successful, it’s a clear indication that the people don’t trust any of the government parties as they all promoted a YES vote and all need to go. It shows the clear disconnect between the government and the people and that the elites are not listening.
Finally, the media have serious questions to answer. This referendum shows the importance of smaller independent media outlets like Gript, and I’ll include my own show podcast, which gave interviews and time to the No vote to balance the debate. Mainstream media is funded by taxpayers or large corporations, but Gript and myself survive on your donations and subscriptions. Well done to all those who campaigned and promoted the referendum and all those who questioned the honesty of politicians. Thank you for supporting us and democracy. Please support us by donating or subscribing on our website here: https://t.co/CwX2aoDtWw
So proud of my country, defending our constitution, the sacred place of the family, the love and respect we have for our mothers. Massive resources were arrayed to defeat them and the people of Ireland have stood their ground. ☘️🇮🇪✌️ #Referendum2024
Labour Party Leadar Ivana Bacik just now at Dublin Castle:
"The reality is most people did want to see a change in Article 41, but what they were unhappy with was the text of the amendment."
#Referendum2024
Every single person is unique and precious from the moment of conception, and all are deserving at a chance at life!
Today is World Down’s Syndrome Day, a day to remind us of this ever-important message!
#WorldDownsSyndromeDay#WDSD23#DontScreenUsOut#EveryLifeIsPrecious
Today is the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, spouse of the blessed Virgin Mary. Patron of workers, artisans and fathers. He accepted the will of God and became the protector of the Holy Family.
Are you, or anyone you know, a medical professional and feel like your conscientious objection when it comes to abortion has not been respected? Please don’t remain silent!
Lent is a good time to ask ourselves, does my Lenten observance include concrete acts of service to others? Such as opening doors for others, doing a small favour, cleaning up after myself, giving another driver a break in traffic, or doing an unglamorous task.
The National Women's Council of Ireland has 44,000 followers and got just 5 likes for a tweet celebrating its 50th anniversary. As an experiment, I just want to see how many likes we can get for this picture of a stick.
This Holy card has always moved me because of the way St Joseph guided and taught Jesus as a little boy. #PostYourStJosephPhoto#MonthofStJoseph St. Joseph, pray for us 🙏💒
'I saved precious babies from pills-by-post terminations... but nearly paid with my career' - Dr Dermot Kearney
We had the greatest privilege to have @DermotKearney3 as guest speaker at today's RALLY for LIFE in BELFAST
https://t.co/QyxhCZRGmq
#RFL2023
Today we march for those who have no voice!
We march for every little unborn baby against abortion violence in Northern Ireland.
Rally for Life BELFAST
Custom House Square 2.00pm
#PeaceBeginsinTheWomb#RFL2023#whywemarch