Roderic O'Gorman 'extremely disappointed' with referendum outcomes
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Equality Minister Roderic O’Gorman has said he is “extremely disappointed” with the outcome of both referenda, with a no-no vote looking likely.
With the counting of ballots continuing, Government leaders have conceded that they have been defeated.
“When the Government puts a question to the people in terms of constitutional amendments, it's up to the Government to make the case that that amendment will pass and we’ve clearly not succeeded in making that case to the Irish people today,” Mr O’Gorman said.
“I accept that decision and Government accepts that.”
Mr O’Gorman said that, while the official results are not in yet, there will be a need for both the Government and Opposition to “reflect” on the verdict from the general public.
He said that he did not intend to resign, despite calls from opposition politicians, saying that he will continue on as Minister.
On the leaking of the Attorney General’s advice, Mr O’Gorman said that it was “extremely frustrating” that it was leaked, particularly due to it being a partial leak of the document.
“If you look at the section that was leaked, it very clearly states that immigration decisions wouldn’t be changed by the family referendum, which is what I have said and government has said throughout,” Mr O’Gorman said.
“In terms of the referendum on care, that the proposed wording would have an impact and would be meaningful in cases that people might take in the future where they’re arguing that their constitutional rights weren’t being provided for.
“Notwithstanding, its hugely frustrating to have a leak at the end of the campaign.”
When asked why the advice was not published from the beginning of the campaign, Mr O’Gorman said that “wouldn’t work” due to the Attorney General’s role in Government.
Mr O’Gorman rejected assertions that both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael did not campaign as hard on the referendums as the Green Party did.
“I and my colleagues across Government have been out strongly articulating the case for a yes-yes vote over the last number of weeks and I know there were some strong interventions by colleagues from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, particularly over the last week.
“We all have to reflect on our campaign and where we could have done more to persuade people.”