Kenny: Court ruling a factor in high no vote

The Supreme Court judgment against the Government may have contributed to the relatively high no vote in the children’s referendum, Taoiseach Enda Kenny has acknowledged.

The yes side won the referendum — meaning dedicated children’s rights will be inserted into the Constitution — but by less than had been expected.

The amendment was passed by 58% to 42%, a comfortable margin of 16 points. However, an opinion poll near the start of the campaign had showed the yes side on 58% and the no side on just 4%, with the remainder undecided, not stating an opinion or not intending to vote.