'Sometimes in politics you get a wallop': Taoiseach on referendum result

Enda Kenny said he welcomed the clarity that the referendum result has brought but added he was “naturally, personally disappointed”

TAOISEACH ENDA KENNY has said that he accepts the verdict of the people as the Seanad referendum was defeated by a narrow margin today.

“Sometimes in politics you get a wallop in an electoral process,” he told the media at Dublin Castle this evening.

“I welcome the clarity of both decisions of the people,” Kenny said describing referendum results as “the ultimate exercise in democracy”.

The Fine Gael leader said he was “naturally, personally disappointed” that the referendum was rejected but said that the Seanad question was one that he had committed to put to the people.

He added: “Now that the people have made their decision and they have decided and confirmed that the Senate is retained as part of our Constitutional institutions I must now reflect.”

More: ‘It went down badly on the doorstep’: Taoiseach’s decision not to debate criticised

Read: Here’s how the country voted in the Seanad Referendum

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More