Ballot to cut voting age set to be delayed

Enda Kenny has signalled there will be no referendum on reducing the voting age during the lifetime of this Government.

Mr Kenny also said he is willing to take part in television or radio debates on the same-sex marriage referendum and that he will strongly campaign for a yes vote.

During his end of year interview, the Taoiseach spoke about upcoming referenda and how some issues to be put before the people may be postponed.

Mr Kenny said the Coalition will hold two referenda next May at the same time as the Carlow/Kilkenny by-election to replace the seat vacated by European commissioner Phil Hogan.

Voters will be asked on whether the age limit for presidential candidates should be reduced from 35 to 21 and, in a separate vote on that day, if there should be same-sex marriage.

The referenda and by-election will be held in May, Mr Kenny said.

Mr Kenny was asked about lowering the voting age from 18 to 16, another issue which a slender majority in the Constitutional Convention recommended.

He replied: “We considered this. There were quite a number of recommendations for referenda. We have one to deal with in terms of a Patent Court which is a complex enough issue, there is a recommendation in respect of blasphemy, and there is one in respect of the reduction of the voting age to 16. And a number of others arising from the Electoral Commission recommendations from the Constitutional Convention.”

Mr Kenny suggested voters might get confused with too many referenda on one day and the Coalition had not agreed beyond the two which would be held.

“And to be honest with you, I don’t think the Government will make a recommendation for a third, although that is a collective decision we have to make.

“So we might indicate what other referenda arising from all of the reports of the Constitutional Convention should be held and clearly they would drift into the next Government.”

Mr Kenny said he was willing to take part in debates in relation to the same-sex marriage vote.

“Fine Gael actually were the first party to deal with civil registration and civil union. We have had that for quite some time here and obviously society has changed and equality of marriage is an issue. I have obviously committed the party and myself to working in favour of the vote and I think it is time to do this, so it’s a people’s choice.

“So I am happy with my decision, and as I say, it is a matter for the people at the end of the day, but from my point of view, I will be very happy to campaign strongly in favour of the question.”