Coalition faces super referendum day
The Coalition is preparing for a super referendum day on Thursday, Oct 24, on three constitutional changes, one of which will be on the reduction of the age of voting from 18 to 16.
The age reduction was recommended in January by the Constitutional Convention which is due to submit its report shortly to Phil Hogan, the environment minister. The Cabinet will then decide on its recommendations.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny has already indicated he wants to hold all three referenda that day.
Informed sources now say the third will most likely be held on the voting age issue.
The main referendum will be on the abolition of the Seanad. This is being opposed by Fianna Fáil, meaning that Fine Gael and Labour TDs will need to put in a strong campaign in favour of the amendment, on the same week they will be voting on unpopular budget measures in the Dáil.
The wording of the referendum is expected to be published before the summer recess, and information campaigns will get under way after that. The other referendum will be to establish a Court of Appeal.
