Abortion amendment defeat official

The abortion referendum has been officially defeated.

The final count from the Galway West constituency was issued in the last few minutes, and the nationwide result stands at 50.42% for No, 49.58% for Yes.

The margin of victory was around 10,500 votes.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said that he was disappointed, but that he is a democrat and would accept the decision.

"I made a promise that I would bring this to the people," he said.

"My views on this issue are well-known, but the people have spoken and it will be the work of an expert to study and understand the implications of the result of this vote."