Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Good news for Fine Gael's Richard Bruton and Enda Kenny this morning Julien Behal/PA Archive
Seanad referendum

Poll indicates Seanad referendum will pass, but a fifth don't know how they'll vote

Still a large number of undecideds according a poll in the Irish Times this morning.

A NEW POLL published this morning shows that the Seanad referendum is set to pass on Friday but over a fifth of voters are still undecided as to how they will vote.

The Ipsos MRBI poll in today’s Times shows that when undecided voters are excluded then 62 per cent of voters back abolition while 38 per cent are against.

The poll of 1,000 adults carried out late last week shows that when undecideds are included 44 per cent back abolition, 27 per cent want the Seanad retained. 21 per cent don’t know and 8 per cent will not vote.

The result is similar to a Millward Brown poll published in the Sunday Independent yesterday in which there were also a large number of undecided voters.

Those polled for the Irish Times were asked their reasons for voting in a particular way with 43 per cent saying the main reason to favour abolition is the money-saving argument.

The cost of the Seanad and how much will be saved by its abolition has been one of the most contentious issues of the campaign with the No campaign disputing Fine Gael claims that scrapping the upper house will save €20 million per year.

Another Fine Gael argument, that abolition will mean fewer politicians, has support from only 8 per cent of Yes voters. A fifth of those voting No said their main reason was that they do not trust or like the government.

The poll also asked voters about the Court of Appeal referendum with a massive 44 per cent undecided on how they will vote.

When these are excluded 76 per cent back the establishment of the new court at the level between the High Court and the Supreme Court.

Read: Everything you need to know about the Seanad referendum but were afraid to ask

Explainer: What is the Court of Appeal Referendum all about?

Your Voice
Readers Comments
136
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.