Mayo gives an emphatic ‘No’ to changes in the Constitution

The voters of Mayo have resoundingly rejected both amendments to the Constitution.

At the count centre in Castlebar shortly after 4 p.m., Constituency Returning Officer Dr. Ann Marie Courell informed reporters of the result of the 39th Amendment which relates to family.

Out of a total valid poll of 41,782, 31,565 voted ‘No’ while 10,217 were in favour.

The figure represents a 75.5% rejection rate.

Nationally, 67% of voters opposed the proposed change in what represents a serious setback for the government.

There were a total of 495 spoiled votes.

The electorate of Mayo also opposed the change to the 40th amendment of the referendum relating to carers.

A total of 32,870 voted 'No' in the county as opposed to 9,009 voting in favour, a rejection rate of 78.5%.

Government leaders, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Tanaiste Micheal Martin and Minister for the Environment, Eamon Ryan (Green Party) had strongly pushed for a ‘Yes’ vote on both issues.

None of the TDs for Mayo were present in the count centre apart from Fine Gael Deputy Alan Dillon, who made a brief appearance.

Paul Lawless and Tommy Horan, who will be contesting the local elections for Aontu in east Mayo, both attended the count proceedings.

They welcomed the result, stating that the figures reflect what they have been hearing on the doorsteps while campaigning for a ‘No’ vote in recent weeks.

Mr. Lawless said the government wasted €20 million of taxpayers money on referendums that could have been spent on badly needed health and other services.