Voters in just five of the country’s 43 constituencies rejected the referendum, with strong divisions between urban and rural areas.

PROFITS at the country’s largest private healthcare company, Bon Secours Health System Ltd, rose by 80% to €9.7 million in 2010 up from €5.4m in 2009, according to information released by the group last night.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has signalled further turmoil lies ahead over the future of smaller hospitals as campaigners stepped up their protest against cutbacks at Roscommon Hospital.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has today opened one of the most sophisticated biomedical research facilities in the world.