Seanad Referendum - Reform does not require another poll

The people have spoken, but it is far from clear whether Taoiseach Enda Kenny has heard the unmistakable voice of democracy in a politically embarrassing and damaging defeat of his personal referendum campaign to abolish Seanad Éireann.

Instead of responding positively, decisively, and immediately to the growing clamour for Senate reform, Mr Kenny has merely uttered a vague promise that, in his agenda of political reform, he would “take time to reflect on what role the Seanad might now play”.

Having gone on a personal solo-run to get rid of the Upper House, abandoning his original idea of reforming the Senate, his failure to carry the day leaves the Taoiseach damaged by a self-inflicted defeat. There have been calls for him to consider his position.