Carlow's Murnane O'Connor calls for a 'Yes' and 'Yes' vote in Friday's referendum
Carlow TD Jennifer Murnane O'Connor has outlined her reasons for her decision on the two referendum
Fianna Fáil TD Jennifer Murnane O'Connor has urged people to vote 'Yes' and 'Yes' on the two proposals before the people this Friday, March 8, to amend and modernise our Constitution.
On Friday, Irish citizens are being asked to vote on two proposed changes to the Constitution. The first Referendum concerns the concept of Family in the Constitution. The second Referendum proposes to delete an existing part of the Constitution and insert new text providing recognition for care provided by family members to each other.
Deputy Murnane O'Connor said: "I strongly believe that we should take this chance to recognise the evolving nature of families, eliminate the outdated references in our Constitution to the roles of women in society and acknowledge the invaluable contributions of all individuals, regardless of gender, within the family unit and in broader society.
"Voting 'Yes' and 'Yes' on Friday would mark an important statement of inclusion in modern Ireland and represent an important recognition of a process of change which has been ongoing for up to 60 years.
"The Constitution is a living document. It was never envisaged when it was written in 1937 that it should remain static. It is only right that the Constitution should explicitly acknowledge the more complex and inclusive society Ireland has today which we value greatly.
"We need to remove the archaic and inappropriate reference to women in the current version of the Constitution.
"The concept of caring also needs to be amended to reflect that all of us have a responsibility to recognise the vital role caring for others plays in a strong society. The amendment both shows the respect and value which we as a society have for caring, and it also recognises that the state has a role to play in supporting care.
"Providing a more inclusive wording for families is also a reflection of societal reality and it shows respect for diverse family units.
"I urge people to get out and vote on Friday – and to vote 'Yes' and 'Yes'."