Referendum timing ‘shameful’

LABOUR Party President Michael D Higgins criticised the Government’s decision to hold the citizenship referendum on June 11 as “shameful” and cynical.

Mr Higgins said that holding it on the same day as elections would make a political football out of the Good Friday Agreement.

In an outspoken speech that was cheered by delegates, the Galway West TD said that no case had been made for a “substantial change to the Constitution. No evidence of an adequate kind has been offered”.