Constitutional review - Changes in society must be reflected

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern can be assured of intense public interest in his initiative to conduct a sweeping review of the Constitution with the aim of improving the rights of the family.

In an era when the global policies of mega-corporations profoundly influence the lives of ordinary people, it is vital to ensure safeguards are put in place to protect the rights of individuals.

While aspects of the Constitution framed by Eamon de Valera have withstood the test of time, there is a need to overhaul some of the more outdated clauses relating to the family, an area where major changes have been seen in recent times. There is, for example, a compelling case to look afresh at the rights of people in second relationships, or the issue of gay marriage, not to mention the right of children, especially those with special needs, to live in a safe environment.