Groups issue call for referendum 'no' vote

An alliance of more than 45 different organisations has come together to call for a 'no' vote in this Friday’s citizenship referendum.

The Voices for a No Vote alliance said it opposed the referendum on the grounds that it would create two classes of children in Ireland, those born to Irish parents and those who are not.

The alliance includes trade unions, organisations working with immigrants and children, anti-racism groups, political parties and many others.

Speaking at a press conference today, Aisling Reidy, the director of the Irish Council for Civil Liberties, said the referendum was not about immigration or residency rights, but about denying citizenship from babies born to foreign women.