Seanad referendum is first of its kind

THIS referendum is a first of its kind in Ireland in constitutional terms.

This is the first proposed direct amendment of the division of state institutional government powers put to popular vote. This referendum affects the way the State conducts government among its own institutions and balances. Unlike all recent referenda, the proposal does not increase or decrease the State’s powers over citizens, limit citizens’ fundamental rights, or transfer the State’s powers to international organisations or the EU.

All previous referenda have changed the balance of powers between the State and international bodies and states, or the balance of rights and obligations between the State and citizens. There is a risk that people may align their position on this referendum (for or against) with their position on prior referenda, erroneously believing that the constitutional nature of this referendum is the same as those on which they have previously formed views.