Challenges to referendum result - The people have spoken clearly

OVER the last week or so we have seen the High Court play a very hands-on role in our public affairs, so much so that national media organisations — RTÉ and The Irish Times — had to go to the court to have decisions clarified so they could publish reports of the Dáil proceedings without fear.

Though this, in hindsight, seems bizarre, the High Court will today hear two applications challenging the result of last month’s marriage equality referendum.

One brought against Ireland and the attorney general, the referendum returning officer, and the Referendum Commission, includes a claim that the referendum process was not fair or impartial in relation to monies spent. The other will argue the proposed amendment conflicts with the centrality of the Christian ethos of the Constitution.