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Laura Hutton/Photocall Ireland!

Turnout as low as 2 per cent in some polling stations

Will it be the lowest turnout in the history of the State?

THE DECISION TO hold polling day for the Children’s Rights Referendum on a Saturday was taken to boost turnout but the move may have backfired.

Stations have been open since 9am but, as of lunchtime, turnout was as low as 2 per cent in some counties.

RTÉ’s News at One did a brief round-up of interest, which appears to be among the lowest on record.

In Longford, turnout was at 2 per cent at 12.30am, while parts of Dublin southwest were only slightly higher at 3 per cent and 4 per cent.

Cities were faring much better with Cork hitting between 10 per cent and 15 per cent. Dublin central has seen more than 12 per cent of the electorate so far.

In the populated Lucan-Esker station in Dublin Mid-West, the turnout was 6.5 per cent at 1.30pm.

Reports of an 8 per cent turnout are coming out from Kerry.

The lowest ever turnout for a vote in the State was in July 1979 when just 28.5 per cent of eligible voters cast their ballots on the issues of adoption and university representation in the Seanad.

A number of politicians and campaigners have taken to Twitter this morning to encourage people to go out and vote in the referendum today.

Laura Hutton/Photocall Ireland

Your Children’s Referendum voting checklist

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174 Comments
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    Mute John Murray
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    Nov 10th 2012, 1:44 PM

    Low turnout is less about Saturday voting and more about a very badly run campaign. Govt should hang their head in shame. Needless to say this will be used later as an excuse to have future votes on Thursdays/Fridays.

    370
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    Mute Clau Emmett
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    Nov 10th 2012, 1:43 PM

    Give people a break, it is Saturday. Only waking up now!

    283
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    Mute FartBox
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    Nov 10th 2012, 5:45 PM

    ya, Saturday’s are for sleep and sex… then more sex and beer….

    91
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    Mute David Higgins
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    Nov 10th 2012, 1:46 PM

    The Saturday vote has nothing to do with the low turnout. It’s the nature of the referendum itself. Any basic understanding of political science will tell you that.

    242
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    Mute Rommel Burke
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    Nov 10th 2012, 2:33 PM

    Agree David and look forward to you calling for Saturday voting for all future elections and referenda.

    64
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    Mute Wolfgang Hanratty
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    Nov 10th 2012, 2:34 PM

    You’re deluded Higgins!

    32
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    Mute Creatively Maladjusted
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    Nov 10th 2012, 2:51 PM

    Hardly the most inspiring referendum.
    Much of the problems could be dealt with by implementing current laws and providing more resources.
    The Supreme Court decision is pretty important, imo, too…… Despite agreeing with the text, it’s more important that the government act legally when approaching referendums.
    Couldn’t support it. SPOILed my vote instead

    76
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    Mute howsaboutya
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    Nov 10th 2012, 6:13 PM

    I would rather see a referendum on bringing the scandalous wages these goons pay themselves down.

    Then you would get a turnout. Considering Kenny gets paid more than Cameron and Obama and all he does is tell us what he is told to do by the real bosses.

    47
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    Mute Séan Ní Bhriain
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    Nov 10th 2012, 7:19 PM

    Obama has a salary of $400,000. Kenny has a salary of €200,000, which is roughly $250,000.

    So no, Enda Kenny does not earn more than Obama.

    16
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    Mute Frank O'Grady
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    Nov 10th 2012, 1:58 PM

    Polling station empty when I voted…anybody else think people are already sick of this govt?

    181
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    Mute Mike Clinton
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    Nov 10th 2012, 2:04 PM

    Same in Dublin 15.
    People seem to be so disheartned.
    I wonder if there was a government satisfaction vote would it get people out and whst would be the result.

    93
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    Mute Jacqueline Shaw
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    Nov 10th 2012, 2:45 PM

    People are sick of this government yes, but I don’t think that’s why the polling stations are empty, they’re empty because a hell of a lot of people haven’t bothered to get off their arse and go vote.

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    Mute Mike Clinton
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    Nov 10th 2012, 2:49 PM

    There certainly is that.

    27
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    Mute Eileen Gabbett
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    Nov 10th 2012, 10:37 PM

    Jacqueline Shaw
    You are dead right . People just will not get up and vote . They sit and moan and complain and ask ‘what are we going to do?’ or ‘Ah shur there is no point in going/doing…etc , nothing will change’ or ‘what can we do , no one will listen’ .
    They won’t attend information meetings, they don’t want to hear what needs to be done only what somebody else has not done .They never ask What can I do? Let me help.

    10
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    Mute Mark McGrail
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    Nov 10th 2012, 2:05 PM

    We’ll vote again… Don’t know where…, Don’t know when… but if it’s NO and low, I know we’ll vote again…

    161
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    Mute Creatively Maladjusted
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    Nov 10th 2012, 2:47 PM

    … and if it’s yes it can be challenged as the Supreme Court decision has to have effected other people’s votes too. I doubt I’m the only one who has changed from YES to SPOIL

    42
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    Mute Charlie Melia
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    Nov 10th 2012, 3:21 PM

    Spoill…. So you went with a yes by default vote. Doesnt that abdicate your responsibilty to someone else?

    38
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    Mute Creatively Maladjusted
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    Nov 10th 2012, 4:00 PM

    No, there was no “default” position. I had considered the arguments and had decided to vote YES – all things being equal. That changed when things were no longer equal.
    Not only was the government found to be in breech of the law in relation to it’s #crref campaign, but we have to wait until **after** the vote before being allowed to see the detailed judgment. Also, their line of argument the day before polling was, “The High Court had no problem with it”………… Eh government, by any chance would mind respecting one of the main pillars of democracy the day before you ask people to vote.?
    ….. and yes, that does put the vote in the hands of others, but in what I feel is a purposeful way. I preferred to do that rather than stay at home. As with either a YES or a NO, a majority SPOIL would send a clear message of being unhappy.
    To me it seems like the government actively tried to subvert the McKenna judgment. It was a simple thing to avoid breaking that law and I did not feel right voting YES, and the NO side has ludicrous arguments.

    I’m just glad that I did not feel strongly about this referendum, because my decision would have been even more difficult than it already was.

    22
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    Mute Séan Ní Bhriain
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    Nov 10th 2012, 4:27 PM

    If the result is a “No”, and they gather the reasons for them, address them and make the necessary changes as they did in Lisbon Part Deux, why shouldn’t there be another vote?

    The way you, and others, speak of the re-referendums you would swear that nothing was different from the first time around, which is absolutely incorrect.

    23
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    Mute Charlie Melia
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    Nov 11th 2012, 2:17 PM

    Why have a vote at all if the government of the moment is going to keep amending the wording of something until they get the result they wanted in the first place…. That just reeks of corruption, deception, deceit and dishonesty….. Thats why the government should neither have a view either way on a referendum nor be allowed to circumvent the democratic process by demanding only one possible outcome by hook or by crook.

    1
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    Mute JakkiB
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    Nov 10th 2012, 1:37 PM

    Is there a number that must be reached or would this be classed as valid?? And isnt using a government promo photo banned since yesterday? Or have I got that wrong?

    142
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    Mute Kevin Cooney
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    Nov 10th 2012, 1:42 PM

    No. The proposal is carried by a vote of 1.

    74
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    Mute Lois Mcgrath
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    Nov 10th 2012, 2:26 PM

    i always thought it had to be 29% anything less and its not passed……I could be wrong

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    Mute Aaron Noonan
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    Nov 10th 2012, 2:52 PM

    As long as there’s a simple majority the amendment is put in place. But there should be a minimum really.

    64
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    Mute David
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    Nov 10th 2012, 4:35 PM

    If we really cared about our children, why do we accept class sizes of 30 plus? Load of bullshit.

    110
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    Mute Bob the Bollox
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    Nov 10th 2012, 2:01 PM

    & whose fault is it if the electorate is jaundiced? This opaque referendum seems no more than an exercise in feelgood politics, straight out of the La Prone playbook, when you consider the political jockeying over the Children’s Hospital, the inadequate management of social workers, the closure of nursing homes, the threatened cuts to Special Needs Assistants, Alan Shatter’s haughty dismissal of the Supreme Court’s assessment, etc., etc. Ireland has much to be proud of, but protection of the vulnerable is not among them, & more fool anyone who disputes that the real purpose of today’s waste of stationery & manpower is to provide the government with good PR when they seek re-election.

    117
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    Mute howsaboutya
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    Nov 10th 2012, 6:22 PM

    well said and fantastic name

    32
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    Mute Kevin Cooney
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    Nov 10th 2012, 2:28 PM

    This is what the State did last Thursday to a teenager with psychiatric and psychological difficulties – they put him in prison and denied him psychiatric help. They don’t give fiddlers about anyone let alone children.

    http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/judge-broke-hse-always-finds-800-an-hour–213460.html

    86
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    Mute Eileen Gabbett
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    Nov 10th 2012, 10:30 PM

    I clicked on that link and ..nothing . Page not found ! . Do you have another link maybe . Thanks.

    3
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    Mute Laura Marie Purcell
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    Nov 10th 2012, 10:32 PM

    i tried it earlier too Eileen, i had thought it may have been blocked as the ref was in progress, guess not :(

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    Mute Eileen Gabbett
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    Nov 10th 2012, 11:20 PM

    Thanks Laura , I tried it there just now and still no joy :)

    1
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    Mute richard fallon
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    Nov 11th 2012, 1:20 AM

    there is a second link on the Examiner page which will get you there.

    1
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    Mute Eileen Gabbett
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    Nov 11th 2012, 1:25 AM

    Thanks Richard
    Got that link.

    1
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    Mute Emma Ryan
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    Nov 10th 2012, 2:22 PM

    The contempt in which our government hold us the people has to be a factor in low turnout given the fact they’ve been shown to use our money to provide skewed information to us. If this government really cared about children they would not be making health cuts, educational cuts and taking money from their tax-paying parents that could be used to provide a better quality of life for them. I will vote and I will vote No to send the government a message – I agree with protecting our children but this is a PR exercise with no substance to it. Previous statements saying that if the result is a No vote, we will be forced to vote again are almost certainly true – that’s what happens in this country. Time we sent these apes a strong message of our contempt for their lack of regard for us as citizens and voters.

    80
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    Mute cooperguy
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    Nov 10th 2012, 9:12 PM

    Actually they didn’t say the information was skewed they said the booklet promoted a yes vote. The actual facts in the booklet were accurate.

    And as for not making cuts, a dose of reality is needed here. Cuts need to happen in all areas. On top of that education and health are two of the biggest costs to the state. How can they avoid all cuts.

    Finally saying you agree with protecting children but are voting no to “send a message” is deluded! How the hell is the government supposed to know what obscure point you are trying to make when you vote no. Send your messages to the government during a General Election or by writing a letter. Anything else is ridiculous

    11
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    Mute Eileen Gabbett
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    Nov 10th 2012, 10:56 PM

    Emma Ryan
    Well said .

    Cooperguy
    There will be a message sent in the next GE , but you know people are so mightily fed up and who can blame us for wanting to send a message at any opportunity? People are tired of waiting and nothing happening . Trusting and being disrespected by the very people we voted in to look out for us. We are tired of being broke , being asked for more, being worried. It is like Emma says ”If this government really cared about children they would not be making health cuts, educational cuts and taking money from their [tax-paying] parents that could be used to provide a better quality of life for them. ” The government should not have used public funds to promote the yes vote . Sly ,that is what that was and they knew exactly what they were doing .

    7
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    Mute Seán Ó Míocháin
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    Nov 10th 2012, 2:34 PM

    When I voted earlier at 10am presiding officer who I know told me only 1 person voted between 9am and 10am. Dublin west polling station. I know it’s a Saturday but still. I voted NO.. why because the campaign has been flawed by an incompetent government.If this referendum isn’t passed I think we could start to see the end of the present government.

    78
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    Mute Emma Ryan
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    Nov 10th 2012, 2:38 PM

    @ Sean If we were living in a different country I might be glad of the prospect of the downfall of this government – my worry right now is who we have to vote for instead of them!!

    55
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    Mute Séan Ní Bhriain
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    Nov 10th 2012, 3:41 PM

    @Séan – You weren’t asked to vote on the quality of the government’s campaign, you were asked to vote on the proposed amendments to the constitution. Congrats on making an absolute sham of our democratic process.

    72
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    Mute Dave Harris
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    Nov 10th 2012, 4:15 PM

    Sean that is an idiotic thing to do.
    This government are far too arrogant and power hungry to go anywhere till they are voted out (look how long it took for FF to go)
    This was not about the governments popularity

    25
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    Mute Daffy Duck
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    Nov 10th 2012, 5:25 PM

    Sean I hope your right I voted no today for the same reason.

    20
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    Mute Eileen Gabbett
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    Nov 10th 2012, 11:03 PM

    I voted No ,for childrens rights. The legislation already exists with the one exception of adopting children of a married couple . But I was not going to vote yes just for this one thing .

    14
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    Mute JakkiB
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    Nov 10th 2012, 2:07 PM

    Yeah Frank I really think the people are sick of it all and really worrying about the upcoming budget

    65
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    Mute Frank O'Grady
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    Nov 10th 2012, 2:10 PM

    Yup….and how much did this referendum cost us??? Will pay for it next month!

    67
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    Mute Bilbo Baggins
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    Nov 10th 2012, 2:40 PM

    It’s paing over 2000 euro to people (most of which are shoe on jobs) to count the votes sickens me. 450k on the dole, pay them 1000 to do it and withdraw a months social welfare people are still up a couple of quid and the state is up millions…

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    Mute Charlie Melia
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    Nov 10th 2012, 3:23 PM

    I know…. I think in some twisted politican reality they thought that we would somehow enjoy this and not be thinking about the budget. They dont really give us much credit in the intelligence stakes do they?

    28
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    Mute Seán Ó Míocháin
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    Nov 10th 2012, 4:00 PM

    Yes it sickened me to see 4 teachers working in my polling station this morning . I work between contracts and am out of work at the moment and a bit of work like that would have been welcome. I did apply but the teachers have it sown up.

    87
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    Mute Karl O Flynn
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    Nov 10th 2012, 2:28 PM

    The price of apathy toward public affairs is to be ruled by evil men.
    Plato….

    60
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    Mute Joseph Bosh
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    Nov 10th 2012, 6:40 PM

    It is often difficult to verify quotes found on the Internet.

    John Lennon

    21
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    Mute Frank O'Grady
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    Nov 10th 2012, 2:45 PM

    @ bilbo…..I know of one person doing the count today who’s in full time employment…..related to a counsellor…..as wrong as it is its not what u know but who u know

    60
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    Mute Peter
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    Nov 10th 2012, 2:01 PM

    I’m not voting, no incentive, it’s a PR referendum that’s all..

    58
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    Mute Sluazcanal
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    Nov 10th 2012, 2:16 PM

    So you need an invcentive? How about a no vote to keep the constitution as it is or yes to chage it? I voted no btw.

    108
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    Mute Barry Dunne
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    Nov 10th 2012, 2:33 PM

    This country is in a pitiful state…..Our government is a joke. QUICK POLL!!!! To abolish the senate and reduce the number of TDs by 50 vote YES.To leave things in the hands of the CHIMPANZEES in Dail Eieinn vote NO. Lets see what happens!!! (Im refraining from voting in the interest of fair play!!!)

    54
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    Mute Kevin Higgins
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    Nov 10th 2012, 2:56 PM

    This is a sham and I blame the government . Nobody knows what the referendums about thanks to their bogey websites and leaflets.

    54
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    Mute Séan Ní Bhriain
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    Nov 10th 2012, 3:56 PM

    Speak for yourself Kevin. The Referendum Commission, a proven impartial entity, has published information on this referendum for months.

    I didn’t read it, because I literally do not care about the proposals one way or another, but the information was there and it’s people’s own fault if they’re ignorant to the proposals details for not having read what was available.

    31
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    Mute Joseph Bosh
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    Nov 10th 2012, 6:44 PM

    @sean “I didn’t read it”
    If you didn’t read it how can you know what information it contained and whether it was impartial or not?

    23
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    Mute Séan Ní Bhriain
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    Nov 10th 2012, 7:06 PM

    @Joseph – Because I know it exists and I know RefCom are impartial from both previous experiences with their service and indeed I believe there has been court judgements to the same effect, if I recall correctly.

    3
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    Mute Eileen Gabbett
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    Nov 10th 2012, 10:58 PM

    So sean
    How did you know which way to vote ?

    2
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    Mute Séan Ní Bhriain
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    Nov 11th 2012, 1:33 AM

    @Eileen – I didn’t bother voting.

    1
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    Mute Adam Walsh
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    Nov 10th 2012, 2:01 PM

    People will vote when there heading out tonight id say before they head out

    53
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    Mute Brian Donovan
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    Nov 10th 2012, 1:37 PM

    7% in my polling station, cork south at 13:30.

    52
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    Mute howsaboutya
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    Nov 10th 2012, 4:33 PM

    red thumbs?!

    11
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    Mute Dexter Gordon
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    Nov 11th 2012, 1:20 AM

    The mere mention of Cork is like a red rag to a bull to some people in a certain part of the country. Hint, it’s a city in Leinster.

    4
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    Mute Ryan oneill
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    Nov 10th 2012, 3:11 PM

    Polling was high as I cast my no vote about an hour ago. Almost got ran over as a barrage of cars tried to fill the small school parking facilities. I can’t understand people who don’t vote, at least spoil your vote so it can be counted at least. And I agree with all the above comments re: our inept government.

    52
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    Mute Kevin Cooney
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    Nov 10th 2012, 1:51 PM

    Low turn outs marginally favour the no vote. As a 5/10% minority always vote no to everything.

    48
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    Mute Marcus Kiely
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    Nov 10th 2012, 1:49 PM

    too lazy to venture out

    43
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    Mute Creamy Hamstrings
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    Nov 10th 2012, 2:23 PM

    I’d vote if I actually cared, but I don’t, so I’m not.

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    Mute Philip Cavanagh
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    Nov 10th 2012, 4:49 PM

    To be fair it’s too cold to vote

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    Mute richard fallon
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    Nov 10th 2012, 6:36 PM

    its no wonder that this country is in the sorry state its in, when somebody actually admits that they “dont care ” about our children, or that its “too cold to vote” or “too lazy”,
    can any of you come up with a good reason for these pathetic excuses?

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    Mute Eimear Smith
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    Nov 10th 2012, 7:17 PM

    Absolutely Richard. The very same people who bitch and moan on this website are the ones who never do anything about anything. Disappointing to think that a referendum concerning the children of the state is getting ‘can’t be arsed’ type comments.

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    Mute richard fallon
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    Nov 10th 2012, 7:21 PM

    @Eimer, and notice that none of them have been able to defend their reasons.

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    Mute Philip Cavanagh
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    Nov 10th 2012, 7:22 PM

    It was a joke. Sarcasm. Lost on some people.

    23
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    Mute richard fallon
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    Nov 10th 2012, 7:25 PM

    @Phillip, thanks for that. accepted.

    12
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    Mute Séan Ní Bhriain
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    Nov 10th 2012, 7:53 PM

    @Richard – why would I care about other’s peoples children?

    I spend 20-30 minutes extra in traffic every morning due to other people’s children, I’m not spending my free time reading about something that concerns only them and then going out and voicing my opinion on their behalf. They milk enough off me as it is.

    18
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    Mute Philip Cavanagh
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    Nov 10th 2012, 7:55 PM

    @sean – BOOM!

    20
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    Mute eireisfnucked
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    Nov 10th 2012, 8:07 PM

    Sean you still talkin. you’re extremely boring n full of drivel. cool u have no kid’s. wow you don’t care bout kid’s. so fukn what!

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    Mute richard fallon
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    Nov 10th 2012, 8:11 PM

    @Sean, thanks for your reason , try not to sound so bitter about the existence of children though,.

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    Mute Scott Handsaker
    Favourite Scott Handsaker
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    Nov 10th 2012, 10:38 PM

    These children will be paying taxes to supply the state with money to look after you when your old. You were a child to at one stage. I think some people post comments to stir the pot. Can someone really be so negative about a child.

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    Mute Claire Duffy
    Favourite Claire Duffy
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    Nov 10th 2012, 3:53 PM

    Irish people should be ashamed of themselves if they don’t vote today..this referendum is for the most vulnerable and weakest CHILDREN in our state. If you intentionally don’t vote you are not punishing the government, your not taking a stand against them …you are forgetting the real reason for this change of the constitution..The RIGHTS of CHILDREN inIRELAND current and future…Stay at home and sit on your lazy backsides…your ignorance and arrogance will only hurt the vulnerable…
    “When the lives and the rights of children are at stake, there must be no silent witnesses.”

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    Mute Frank O'Grady
    Favourite Frank O'Grady
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    Nov 10th 2012, 4:00 PM

    @ Claire Duffy I voted and agree it is an important subject but the information issued regarding the proposed ammendment by our “govt” was lacking clarity as proved by the court order issued other day….

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    Mute Mick 'The Bull' Daly
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    Nov 10th 2012, 5:30 PM

    I’m not a bit ashamed as I was actually working to try and pay bills

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    Mute Claire Duffy
    Favourite Claire Duffy
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    Nov 10th 2012, 5:46 PM

    fair play if you work since nine this morn till ten tonight…I’m just making a point that people who just don’t bother their arse…it should be made the law to vote..like Australia voting is compulsory for every Australian citizen aged 18 years or older. If you do not vote and do not have a valid and sufficient reason for failing to vote, a penalty is imposed. For further information see Compulsory Voting.

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    Mute Séan Ní Bhriain
    Favourite Séan Ní Bhriain
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    Nov 10th 2012, 6:11 PM

    I didn’t vote because I have absolutely no interest in the proposal and as such read nothing about it. The information was there as it always is but this referendum just isn’t in any way important to me and I honestly do not care whether it’s voted through or not.

    Unlike seemingly the majority of people in this country and especially on this site I don’t believe in voting when I know nothing about what you’re voting on, so I’ve stayed home today and had an otherwise enjoyable day.

    @Frank – That’s a cop out. The Referendum Commission has provided impartial information on this referendum for months, free for anyone who wanted to read about it. Claiming ignorance and blaming the government is not an option.

    @Claire – I would be absolutely opposed to mandatory voting. Democracy here is already spit upon by bastions of people marching down and voting on a proposal based on how they feel about the government that day, how their stomach feels at the time etc. The people who read up about the proposals and actually consider what they’re being asked to vote on are a tiny minority here.

    Impartial information is made available for months, almost nobody reads it and instead rests their decision on what some poster says which leads us to a situation that we have where opposition members can make terrifying, unfounded claims such as “This proposal will bring in mandatory abortions!” and people will believe it and vote it down.

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    Mute Mick 'The Bull' Daly
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    Nov 10th 2012, 6:58 PM

    Was working since 8 and couldn’t be
    arsed driving 240km round trip to vote,waste of petrol for something I haven’t a clue about

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    Mute Max Brow
    Favourite Max Brow
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    Nov 10th 2012, 3:48 PM

    Haven’t voted yet butI will. Inclined to vote no. Always suspicious when I see all that shower agreeing on something.

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    Mute jim redmond
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    Nov 10th 2012, 6:30 PM

    @max. Dana and John waters say no so has to be a yes.

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    Mute colm connolly
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    Nov 10th 2012, 2:12 PM

    Completely forgot it was today I was just about to go out for a few hours I better go get my polling card and vote

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    Mute Brian Osborne
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    Nov 10th 2012, 2:02 PM

    Apathy?

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    Mute Tony Skillington
    Favourite Tony Skillington
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    Nov 10th 2012, 2:32 PM

    Utter apathy and indifference to a political system and a government that has failed it’s people immensely. Even though it is inappropriate to hit back at this useless shower by means of a childrens referendum, it nonetheless shows that people have given up on this broken model of democracy. Doesn’t bode well for the next general election.

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    Mute Joseph Bosh
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    Nov 10th 2012, 2:06 PM

    I’ll vote later, honest!

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    Mute Joseph Bosh
    Favourite Joseph Bosh
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    Nov 11th 2012, 1:25 AM

    Well I voted… I wAs the only one there

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    Mute phil
    Favourite phil
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    Nov 10th 2012, 2:42 PM

    I firmky believe that when a person goes to a TD or councilmen for help, the level of help they get should depend on if they vote or not.

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    Mute Kevin O'Brien
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    Nov 10th 2012, 3:06 PM

    Why?

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    Mute Mike Clinton
    Favourite Mike Clinton
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    Nov 10th 2012, 3:18 PM

    I actually agree with that. Even if they spoil their vote in protest ,at least they got off their arse.

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    Mute Joe Sixtwo
    Favourite Joe Sixtwo
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    Nov 10th 2012, 3:51 PM

    Aren’t we supposed to be shaking up the constitution soon ? I think this whole referendum is a complete sham and PR gag so the government can be seen as though they are doing something positive.
    I read the available information on the amendment and see nothing positive or progressive in it.

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    Mute howsaboutya
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    Nov 10th 2012, 6:08 PM

    I agree

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    Mute Derek Larney
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    Nov 10th 2012, 3:37 PM

    Just voted there- tumbleweed blowing through the polling station. Seems the Irish don’t really care two hoots about this change to the Irish Constitution.

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    Mute SeanNorris
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    Nov 10th 2012, 1:41 PM

    Voted at 11 this morning, Presiding officer had very few voters marked off at that stage, probably 5% on our page.

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    Mute Rory Conway
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    Nov 10th 2012, 2:46 PM

    Voted at 10.45 and presiding officer said vote ve ry high

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    Mute Thosj Carroll
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    Nov 10th 2012, 2:33 PM

    Guess where am I now? Dubai.

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    Mute SeanNorris
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    Nov 10th 2012, 3:24 PM

    I bet its a bit warmer there than here!

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    Mute Thosj Carroll
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    Nov 10th 2012, 5:18 PM

    SeanNorris, yeah very hot at almost 34c today but in nite, it’s freezing.

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    Mute Christopher Cu Cullen
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    Nov 10th 2012, 3:40 PM

    I was worried about my vote being rubbed out, I pressed so hard with the pencil it broke, oops!

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    Mute Ryan oneill
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    Nov 10th 2012, 5:32 PM

    I did the very same, marked so hard that even an eraser wouldn’t take my no vote off.

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    Mute Aidan Cahill Snr
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    Nov 10th 2012, 5:25 PM

    why not have a real referendum…..lets say on bankers pensions and retired gov’ ministers and higher civil and public servants oh and county managers who earn 40 grand more than the priminister of Spain. I would imagine a very high turn out for that one except for all the Turkeys of course!

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    Mute Karl O Flynn
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    Nov 10th 2012, 5:13 PM

    It’s a sad situation when citizens are so fed up with the political system that they have no interest in voting. The lies, deceit and flip flopping of the last few years have created an apathetic view which is just what our dictators would like so they can do as they please without being challenged. Regardless of how citizens feel they should use their right to vote.

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    Mute Fiona Mullen
    Favourite Fiona Mullen
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    Nov 10th 2012, 1:47 PM

    Although I do agree that voting on a Saturday is good for people who live away/students it is annoying if you happen to be away for the weekend, like I am. I’ve never missed a chance to vote before and would definitely have voted today if I was around.

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    Mute Gearóid Ó Murchadha
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    Nov 10th 2012, 2:14 PM

    Damn. You must have had to go somewhere for something very important!
    As for me, I voted by post last week so I’m free of all responsibility today :)

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    Mute Séan Ní Bhriain
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    Nov 10th 2012, 3:53 PM

    I didn’t vote today because I genuinely do not care about this referendum or the amendments it proposes.

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    Mute richard fallon
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    Nov 10th 2012, 6:19 PM

    @Sean, why??

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    Mute Séan Ní Bhriain
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    Nov 10th 2012, 6:30 PM

    @Richard – A few reasons but mainly:

    1. From what I had read, everything proposed in this already exists in Irish legislation, it’s just not being enforced and a referendum won’t change that

    2. It concerns children and I have absolutely no interest in them or matters surrounding them.

    That’s being honest. People, mainly parents, will eat me for the second reason but I genuinely do not care about children and know large numbers who feel the same and similarly aren’t bothered voting today. The government themselves know that many feel this way, hence Gilmore coming out recently to basically say that they’ll only run referendums on Saturdays again if people turn up to this one, why there have been LOADS of texts/emails sent from the political parties asking people to please go out and vote, why there were campaigners on Grafton Street during the week begging people to at least turn up and more.

    They’ve ran a referendum that they thought would get them good points, only to find that most people simply don’t care about the issue at hand at the moment.

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    Mute richard fallon
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    Nov 10th 2012, 6:45 PM

    @Sean, thanks, good reply, but giving a NO vote would enforce what you said, the absence of your NO vote could mean the success of those who vote YES.
    it is the result of the voting that will count , not on your, or my, personal opinion outside the polling station.
    I dont agree with the changes , so I vote against them.this is one extra vote on the NO side.

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    Mute Brian Daly
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    Nov 10th 2012, 6:56 PM

    @Sean If you have that many reasons, you should have gone on and voted.

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    Mute Eimear Smith
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    Nov 10th 2012, 7:35 PM

    @ Sean I’m shocked you can say that you don’t care about matters concerning. Genuinely shocked. Yes I’m a parent but that’s not why I’m shocked. I can understand an individual who doesnt have kids not being interested in kids but I can’t understand an individual not being interested in the welfare of fellow citizens regardless of their age.

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    Mute Creditplus Plus
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    Oct 15th 2013, 3:22 PM

    We are a Reputable, Legitimate & an accredited money Lender. Do you have a bad credit or are you in need of money to pay bills, I give out loans to individuals and companies in need of financial assistance. (No social security and no credit check, 100% Guaranteed! 3% interest rate ) Please write back if interested. You reach us via e-mail: creditplusloancompany@yahoo.com.sg

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    Mute Jennifer Hatton
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    Nov 10th 2012, 2:54 PM

    I agree with all your comments about the government but this vote is about the weakest and most vulnerable children in our state….it ain’t perfect but to be so flipent about children’s rights scares me!

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    Mute Stephen Maher
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    Nov 10th 2012, 2:06 PM

    My sister voted about half an hour ago, there’d been less than 50 in.

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    Mute Joe Mannion
    Favourite Joe Mannion
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    Nov 10th 2012, 7:17 PM

    People died so that we can vote. Think its shameful people don’t exercise their right and duty as a citizen of Ireland.

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    Mute howsaboutya
    Favourite howsaboutya
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    Nov 10th 2012, 4:31 PM

    It’s not the Saturday, sadly people don’t care. the whole thing is a farce anyway considering the supreme court ruling.

    17% in churchtown Dublin.

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    Mute howsaboutya
    Favourite howsaboutya
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    Nov 10th 2012, 4:32 PM

    and yes I voted

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    Mute Ciara Heffernan
    Favourite Ciara Heffernan
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    Nov 10th 2012, 4:14 PM

    cant help but think that there would be a better turn out if it wasn’t during term time, im currently in college in Tralee and simply cannot afford to go back to Dublin to cast my vote, there are 4 people in my apartment who also cannot make it to their constituency to cast their vote. personally i feel like I’m doing a disservice to my country by not casting my vote however if the Government did their job properly and actually made it possible for as many people as possible to vote then there would be a higher turn out, last week was mid term, most students went home for this, why did the government not hold the referendum there. I’d like to remind people that students are the next generation of parents meaning as it stand this will probably effect us more than current parents as all the finer details and the systems would be done and dusted given a yes vote by the time we’re parents. so coming from a person who is unable to vote, if you’re planning not to vote or planning on spoiling it please go and vote NO and make my voice heard.

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    Mute Patrick Butler
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    Nov 10th 2012, 4:33 PM

    u could have transferred ur vote. very easy. ur an adult u shudnt need the govt to hold ur hand voting.

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    Mute Ciara Heffernan
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    Nov 10th 2012, 4:44 PM

    i never said i expected them to hold my hand, i do however expect them to do their jobs right. i couldnt transfer my vote because i didn’t know if i’d be in Tralee this weekend. so next time how about being an adult and not jumping to conclusions?

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    Mute richard fallon
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    Nov 10th 2012, 6:23 PM

    use the postal vote system , its so simple

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    Mute Wayne Anthony Feeney
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    Nov 10th 2012, 6:40 PM

    Agree with you that they should have had it last week. But you’ve known the date for ages, Ciara. If you were really that concerned with voting, then you should have planned to be wherever you needed to be to make it happen.

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    Mute Brian Daly
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    Nov 10th 2012, 7:01 PM

    @ciara You have nobody to blame but yourselves. Move your vote to where you live. Your arguement doesn’t stand up at all. Also, you are voting in a referendum and nothing else.

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    Mute richard fallon
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    Nov 10th 2012, 7:05 PM

    @Ciara, once you register for the postal vote, you will be sent the ballot paper etc maybe two or three weeks before voting day.
    then it does not matter where you are on that day, follow the instructions (simple) and post your vote.
    even if it happens that you are at home on that day, you do the same, follow the instructions, and post your vote,
    could’nt be easier.
    you will be kept on that system for one year.

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    Mute Rita Cahill
    Favourite Rita Cahill
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    Nov 10th 2012, 8:38 PM

    I made My Voice be heard” by Voting a Big No to this unconstitutional Flawed and Misleading in the Wording and Using our tax money on the Website Advertising” how dare these People the Biggest Liars and Con artist think they could use a childrens Referendum which by the way was a flawed clause in the End” and then to use the Children” they are Sick and disgusting animals! Heartless and Cruel” all to revive themselves with Aminition and more Abuse of Power on the Irish People and Our Children! and Shatter said yesterday that he was not sorry for using our money on promoting the childrens referendum on only one side of the debate” as a yes vote” disgusting sick wacko’s

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    Mute Dermot O'Reilly
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    Nov 10th 2012, 5:32 PM

    How many voters NO today.

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    Mute Julian King
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    Nov 10th 2012, 5:03 PM

    If only kids could vote!

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    Mute richard fallon
    Favourite richard fallon
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    Nov 10th 2012, 6:22 PM

    @Julian, yes, at least they’d care enough about their future.
    not like the majority of adults.

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    Mute Patrick Colm Devaney
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    Nov 10th 2012, 3:09 PM

    It’d be nice to vote.

    But seeing as the Gardai in at my local station are too lazy to ever be open when they’re meant to be, I can’t finish the final stage of having my vote validated.

    And somehow, I don’t think they’re too busy chasing criminals in my quiet rural area!

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    Mute John Murphy
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    Nov 10th 2012, 3:20 PM

    It’s called been out on patrol. If they stayed in the station all day you’d complain they were never out patrolling the area! Dont worry, your small station will probably be closed by the end of the year anyway. You’ll be delighted then

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    Mute Mike Clinton
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    Nov 10th 2012, 3:43 PM

    Bit unfair Patrick. The Garda are on patrol I would imagine and no extra Garda to man the station.
    There should be a clerk there to attend to it.
    Lazy is one thing they aren’t.

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    Mute Patrick Colm Devaney
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    Nov 10th 2012, 4:07 PM

    Lads, I realise they have to be out patrolling and they can’t be doing clerical work all the time.

    But when there’s hours put up on a notice board in black and white showing what times they’re meant to be available at the station for the needs of citizens (in my case, to get registered to vote), they should be there.

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    Mute John Murphy
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    Nov 11th 2012, 1:17 AM

    So if a call of a traffic collision comes in they ignore it to be at the station at specified times….sounds sensible alright. Sometimes I don’t think people put alot of thought into their assumptions

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    Mute Conor Doyle
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    Nov 10th 2012, 3:32 PM

    people have been told they had to use the pencils to mark their ballot paper and not pens …why

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    Mute Luke McDermott
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    Nov 10th 2012, 3:52 PM

    CONSPIRACY!!!!

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    Mute Claire Duffy
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    Nov 10th 2012, 4:08 PM

    They always use pencils

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    Mute Kevin McCarthy
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    Nov 10th 2012, 5:22 PM

    I didn’t vote as have really lost interest. Burned out from the govt crap. More taxes coming less money in my pocket. Wish this govt could just sod off and decamp to Berlin where their loyalties lie.

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    Mute Pádraig McCann
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    Nov 10th 2012, 2:59 PM

    Give it a chance…sure polls close at 10 pm

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    Mute Anto Kerrigan
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    Nov 10th 2012, 5:23 PM

    Had not got the slightest clue what yes or no would accomplish so i didn’t bother my arse rather then vote for something I know noting about

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    Mute richard fallon
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    Nov 10th 2012, 6:32 PM

    So, Anto, you didn’t bother to find out what is good or bad for the children of our country,why not ?

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    Mute Gerard Cassidy
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    Nov 10th 2012, 9:38 PM

    im just glad people voted no

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    Mute Luke McDermott
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    Nov 10th 2012, 3:55 PM

    Voted for Ray Kelly.

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    Mute Laura Marie Purcell
    Favourite Laura Marie Purcell
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    Nov 10th 2012, 2:50 PM

    I will go in later once my partner is home to watch the kids…dingle at present is running at 15% attendance to vote

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    Mute Frank2521
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    Nov 10th 2012, 4:04 PM

    It reflects the feelings of adults. Adults are the careers of children yet this government don’t care about the adults unless you are in the Croke Park Meal or you are a banker. If people in power cared for the future of their children of Ireland they would cut their salaries and not burden our children with a huge debt just to pay pensions and huge salaries. Our children are being taken by young unemployed parents to other countries and it seems that the future of our Children is in living elsewhere.

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    Mute Glass Half Full
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    Nov 11th 2012, 12:36 AM

    If you didn’t vote today, you have nullified your opinion, it no longer counts. Don’t pass judgement on the outcome.
    If you didn’t know ‘how’ to vote, that is your problem, you should have educated yourself. Don’t blame others for your ignorance.
    If you don’t care about children, it follows that you don’t care about the future of your country.
    If you voted today, you have exercised your right as a citizen of Ireland and should hold your head high, regardless of your decision.

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    Mute Ed Moran
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    Nov 10th 2012, 4:32 PM

    I have to ask who people want in government. If this government is dumped out sooner rather than later it will be FF that get back in and don’t think otherwise. Fanciful ideas of a left socialist government are a student pipe dream. And if people are complaining about the cost of this referendum how much are they going to bitch about the cost of general election. I’m not saying I’m happy with the fg/lab situation that we have but I think I’d rather them than a FF/SF and a handful of independents.

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    Mute Nick Beard
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    Nov 10th 2012, 6:45 PM

    This referendum will have absolutely no effect on who is in government.

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    Mute Séan Ní Bhriain
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    Nov 10th 2012, 7:55 PM

    If we had a general election tomorrow Fine Gael would win the top place again. Support is still almost 1/3rd for them, with Fianna Fail getting about 21%, SF getting 20%, Labour getting 12% etc.

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    Mute Mary Cull
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    Nov 10th 2012, 3:47 PM

    Because they take us all for idiots.. That’s why..

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    Mute richard fallon
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    Nov 10th 2012, 6:54 PM

    @Mary, “take us all for idiots” explain.

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    Mute Phillipa
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    Nov 10th 2012, 6:22 PM

    I have just voted and when I was there I asked if I could use a pen instead of pencils provided, I was told no but they couldn’t tell me why? Or if my vote would be spoiled by using a pen. Does anyone know why we have to use the pencils provided?

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    Mute Garry Fitzgerald
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    Nov 10th 2012, 6:47 PM

    Any mark in the area of the ballot paper as long as the intention of the voter is understood will be accepted.

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    Mute JakkiB
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    Nov 10th 2012, 6:47 PM

    I used a pen and informed them when I got my ballot paper, I always use a pen and it is allowed

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    Mute Gerard Cassidy
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    Nov 10th 2012, 10:02 PM

    im just glad most irish people voted no

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    Mute Emma Ryan
    Favourite Emma Ryan
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    Nov 10th 2012, 9:22 PM

    @cooperguy I said “skewed” deliberately as I know the meaning of it which means slanted in a particular direction. I didn’t say the information was false. I will send a message when the elections come and you assume I haven’t already contacted any of the TDs to air my disgust and my concerns. This government needs to know the people are not happy to be misled or manipulated by using public funds to promote their own agendas. Hope this clarifies matters for you regarding my position and the meaning of the word “skewed”.

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    Mute Brian Byrne
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    Nov 11th 2012, 12:16 AM

    HERE IS A CRAZY BUT FAIR IDEA

    OK 1.1 million plus court costs plus the bill for the printed offending material
    Lets call it a round 3 million.
    SO Public money should not have been used by F.F AND LAB
    So lets hold their political parties liable for the costs and let the parties between them pay the money all back. If they don’t pay back public money that they used then WHO HAS TO. No paying it back then there is no comeback and as this is not the first time there will be a third time. so F.F AND LAB from their own party funds owe the state 3 MILLION with interest welcome to the real world fraudsters

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    Mute Jim Jim
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    Nov 10th 2012, 7:46 PM

    Just voted in Cork (one of the biggest turnouts apparently) – when they crossed out our names, there were only 3 others on that page that had voted. Very disappointing that people couldn’t be bothered

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    Mute Seán Ó Míocháin
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    Nov 10th 2012, 4:09 PM

    apparently turnout still below 10 per cent in some polling stations in Sligo and leitrim according to local news

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    Mute Rita Cahill
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    Nov 10th 2012, 8:44 PM

    I understood” Mr Shatter about the Children’s Referendum Vote” just like everybody else here does” and i also Understood what i voted for last OCT 2011 Referendum on inquiries by the Oireachtas

    Image: A smiling young woman dressed casually and standing with her arms behind her backThis referendum proposes to give the Houses of the Oireachtas (the Dáil and Seanad) express power to conduct inquiries into matters of general public importance and, in doing so, to make findings of fact about any person’s conduct.

    At present, the Constitution does not give power to the Houses of the Oireachtas to conduct such inquiries. The proposed change to the Constitution would mean that
    1. The Dáil and the Seanad, either separately or together, would have the power to conduct an inquiry into any matter that either or both consider to be a matter of general public importance. Legislation would be required to be introduced to set out the details of how such inquiries would take place.

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    Mute Glen Marine
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    Nov 11th 2012, 12:42 AM

    I’m so lucky – (heading for seventy seven) – I have four beautiful daughters 4 beautiful grand-daughters and four handsome and clever grandsons -
    Never a problem! (Thank god) so very. Naturally I voted “ta” – a fada – geh.

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    Mute Arbitrasure
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    Nov 10th 2012, 6:30 PM

    Shows the true calibre and absolute minority of those who moan about the government on the Journal.

    Reality is, they are a tiny minority. And they couldn’t even be arsed getting out of bed to vote, let alone improve themselves.

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    Mute Rommel Burke
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    Nov 10th 2012, 7:05 PM

    Are you on something? because you’re making absolutely no sense, just wild inaccurate generalisations.

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    Mute Séan Ní Bhriain
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    Nov 10th 2012, 7:22 PM

    Of course they’re a minority, do you not see that they’re wrong about absolutely everything?

    General Election – COMPLETELY wrong.
    Fiscal Compact – Wrong.
    Lisbon 1 and 2 – Wrong
    etc.

    They’ll be wrong again now. You’re right that it is a tiny minority, who sit around all day winding each other up but you have to remember to not take them seriously – nobody else does.

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    Mute Eileen Gabbett
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    Nov 10th 2012, 10:17 PM

    Absolutely disgraceful ,lying , generalisations for comments . You are so far removed from the truth of what is in fact happening in this country that I pity you. ” they couldn’t even be arsed getting out of bed to vote, let alone improve themselves.” You sad little person .

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    Mute richard fallon
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    Nov 10th 2012, 7:28 PM

    @Sean, please indicate clearly who the “minority” is , your post is ambiguous.

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    Mute john mack
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    Nov 10th 2012, 10:59 PM

    @journal staff, any updates on rough percentage of closing polls.

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    Mute Ste Moran
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    Nov 10th 2012, 4:11 PM

    I wouldn’t tend to vote before half past midnight myself either

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    Mute richard fallon
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    Nov 10th 2012, 7:31 PM

    @Sean, can you clarify who is the “minority”, your post ambiguous.

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    Mute Person Person
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    Nov 10th 2012, 8:38 PM

    They forgot the traditional Saturday Morning lie-in.

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    Mute Liz Gallagher
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    Nov 11th 2012, 9:07 AM

    “I voted no to teach the govt a lesson” quote from quite a few of the comments here. Well I voted YES because I believe that children of a marriage should have the right to be adopted if their birth parents are not able to care for them – at the moment hundreds of these children are in long term foster care when they should have a chance to be adopted. Simple as that, this is why I voted Yes.

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    Mute Sean O'Reilly
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    Nov 11th 2012, 10:19 AM

    I think that the turnout shows who does care about their children.

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