Taoiseach defends referendum election date

The Taoiseach has defended the decision to hold a citizenship referendum on June 11 as reasonable and fair.

Opposition parties the government has not consulted properly on the issue and is rushing the issue.

Bertie Ahern said the choice of June 11 for the election date was both reasonable and fair.

“There is a problem that needs to be solved - why should we delay it's solution? How long are we to delay consulting the Irish people in order to allow them to decide on this issue.?" asked the Taoiseach.

"What more suitable date exists than one, which ensures maximum participation in the democratic process than voting on the day of an election?"