Constitutional Convention votes for lowering voting age, but against shorter presidential term

The Constitutional Convention has voted in favour of lowering the voting age, but has rejected reducing the presidential term.

At its meeting in Dublin, 52% of delegates voted in favour of lowering the voting age.

Of these, 48% were in favour of lowering the age to 16 with 39% selecting 17.

A reduction in the Presidential term from seven to five years was opposed by 57%.

The chairperson of the Constitutional Convention Tom Arnold said today was the first day of allowing Irish citizens to have a meaningful input into some of the most important matters facing society.