Referendum will launch a cash cow for barristers

In the Irish Constitution of 1937, the accepted the definition of marriage was a union between a man and woman, same sex marriage was never envisaged.

All Irish legislation to do with marriage since then is based on this premise.

Therefore, it can be seen by the casual political critic on the ground that this upcoming referendum does not come under equality legislation but on a redefinition of marriage.

The proposal to change our Constitution to include same sex marriage is clearly not an equality issue, it is more to do with getting this change to legislation through rather than treating the Irish electorate as educated people who deserve a proper outline of what the passing of this referendum will mean for marriage as we know it.

In redefining marriage to included same sex marriage we are opening a cash machine for Irish barristers, as much of our present marriage legislation will be open to challenge.

In recent years much of the legislation passed by the Oireachtas has been weak and unfit for purpose. Government ministers have admitted mistakes have been made.

The new Local Government Act and the setup of Irish Water is a case in point. Is it not time for the Oireachtas to take its job of legislating for the good of Irish society seriously?

Saying mistakes were made is just not good enough — to prevent this happening, TDs and Ministers are surrounded by legal advisers.

Nuala Nolan

Bowling Green

Galway