Kenny slams timing of referendum

THE Government’s decision to hold the referendum on citizenship on the same day as local and European elections exploits the immigration issue and debases the Constitution, Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny stated in the Dáil yesterday.

During heated exchanges, Fine Gael's foreign affairs spokesman, Gay Mitchell, was expelled from the chamber after he refused to resume his seat during leaders' questions taken by the Tánaiste, Mary Harney.

Mr Mitchell was asked to leave by Ceann Comhairle Rory O'Hanlon after he persisted in accusing the Government of misrepresenting figures relating to the number of non-national births in the State's maternity hospitals.