Repeal, Repeal, Repeal! Yes, Yes, Yes!
The country has spoken, loudly and clearly. And crucially the country has voted overwhelmingly in favour of repealing the Eighth Amendment.
After weeks of vigorous debate, some of it heated and often hostile, the result is set to be announced later today.
Abortion in Ireland is to be legalised – with the Irish Times exit poll suggesting that the margin of victory for the Yes side will be 68% to 32%.
Interestingly, that’s exactly the same margin that our readers voted in our poll on Monday of this week, leading to online quips that Laois is the Bellweather County, one that leads or indicates a trend.
It was an issue that sparked strong opinion on both sides with Laois no different than any part of the country. It dominated all forms of media and was a hot topic of conversation in every living room, kitchen and workplace in the country.
The Irish Times exit poll reported last night that Dublin are set to vote 77-23 in favour of Yes with the Rest of Leinster and Munster both at 66-34 and Connacht/Ulster at 59/41.
The female vote was 70-30 with male 65-35. The urban vote was 71-29 with rural at 60-40. Unsurprisingly the highest Yes vote in the age categories was the 18-24 bracket – with 87% in favour and 13% against. The only age category to vote No was the over 65s, with the Irish Times result suggesting that it was 40-60.
Their poll was of 4,500 voters as they left polling stations on Friday – at 160 locations across every constituency in the country.
While the counting only begins this morning, the Irish Times poll is being seen as a very reliable indicator with the margin for error estimated at +/- 1.5%.
And social media was alive with reaction to the news on Friday night. We’ve picked out a sample of the Laois tweets on what is an historic occasion.
Just stood in a dark driveway crying and hugging @elaineroisin. Because while it is about seismic shifts and exit polls, it’s also about two young wans meeting on twitter deciding that something needed to change in our county too. #Togeher4Yes #RepealThe8th @LaoisForYes
— Gearóidín McEvoy (@GaRoDean) May 25, 2018
Timahoe woman Gearoidin McEvoy was a champion of the Laois Together 4 Yes group. And she was understandably emotional afterwards
Jesus I can’t cope with the messages I’m getting. @conorp and @AlanaEFarrell were truly warriors with us the last few weeks. Can’t thank you both enough. ❤ https://t.co/910l8IQ2vc
— Elaine Róisín (@elaineroisin) May 25, 2018
Elaine O’Neill set up the Laois Together 4 Yes group with Gearoidin McEvoy – and was thrilled afterwards too
It seems the 8th is already well and truly repealed ???? #Repeal8th
— Craig Rogers (@Rodgie5) May 25, 2018
Portlaoise man Craig Rogers with a great use of the ‘well and truly phrase
Looks like the referendum for better or worse will be https://t.co/KY031qwJm0 now its up to politicans but could either side count on them???Exit poll suggests landslide win for Yes side in Eighth Amendment referendum https://t.co/B84WZB2LeA
— Francie Gorman (@francie_gorman) May 25, 2018
The Laois IFA chairman asks a question that a lot of people are asking too
Today I voted No. I am in no way against women, I was brought up by a single mother and have no doubt that women know best. However, I could not in good conscience vote to remove the right of life to the most vulnerable in our society. I love both #LoveBoth #VoteNo
— David Vard (@DavidVard) May 25, 2018
The youngest priest in the country is based in Portlaoise. He explained his reasons for voting No
The reception for people home to vote at the airport today was unbelievable. I am ridiculously proud to be a part of this vote. Now let’s get repealing.
— Aedín (@_Aedin) May 25, 2018
This young Portlaoise woman came home from her studies in Spain to cast her vote
Probably how every person is feeling today, but if you dont vote you dont have a say. So make your mind up, no one will judge you on how you vote. IF they do, tell them to go fuck themselves. #reformhealth #repealthe8th #VoteNo #VoteYes https://t.co/stYoa4Xu18
— Dunnie (@dunnehimself) May 24, 2018
Well said
To my constituents in Laois/Offaly who voted YES to repeal the 8th, I say a big THANK YOU. #togehterforyes pic.twitter.com/nMUeKyKE0z
— Charlie Flanagan (@CharlieFlanagan) May 25, 2018
Our local Minister and Fine Gael TD Charlie Flanagan was firmly in the Yes camp
SEE ALSO – Sadness at retirement of popular Portlaoise teacher
