Convention on changing Constitution avoids midlife crisis

After initial criticism, the convention chaired by Tom Arnold has seen interest grow as its January deadline looms.

IT WAS initially criticised as being nothing more than an “expensive talking shop”, and some TDs suggested it was a dumping ground for political issues the Government thought were too hot to handle.

But, midway through the lifetime of the Constitutional Convention, with its evolving nature and objective examination of controversial subjects enshrined (or missing) in the treaty that governs Ireland, the assembly is producing results and recommendations that the Coalition must address.