Abortion poll predicts close-run referendum

A new opinion poll today confirmed indications of a close result in next week’s referendum on the country’s anti-abortion laws.

A survey published in the Irish Times newspaper shows that a government proposal to bar terminations except in cases where a mother’s life is at risk would secure the plebiscite support of 35% of the electorate and that 31% would be against the plan, with 34% giving no definite response.