Citizenship poll – Referendum should be deferred

YESTERDAY’S first hint of a schism in the Coalition on the contentious timing of the citizenship referendum will give the opposition ready-made ammunition for tomorrow’s Dáil debate on this divisive question.

Rekindling what remains of the PD conscience, Deputy Liz O’Donnell openly admits to harbouring misgivings about holding such a vote on the same day as the local and European elections.

Coming from a politician who is held in high public regard, this admission is sure to damage the Government, especially when Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and a line-up of ministers are striving to justify the June 11 timing of the referendum.