[dropcap]Ireland[/dropcap] has voted to repeal the 8th amendment by 66.4% to 33.6%.
With a turn out of 64.1%, 1,429,981 people voted Yes and 723,632 people voted No. The result means that a 36th amendment will replace written recognition of the equal right to life of both the mother and the unborn child.
According to the Irish Times exit poll, 87% of people aged between 18 and 25 voted Yes.
“I said in recent days that this was a once in a generation vote. Today I believe we have voted for the next generation,” said Taoiseach Leo Varadkar when addressing the result at Dublin Castle today.
2,159,655 people voted in yesterday’s referendum with a record number of voters turning up to polling stations.
Donegal is the only constituency with a majority No vote, with 51.9% voting no.
14 of the 40 constituencies voted over 70% for the yes vote, a much higher outcome than originally predicted, making it a landslide vote.
The highest yes vote was recorded in Dublin Bay South with 78.5% of voters choosing yes.
For the last two years, DCUSU has held a pro-choice stance and has campaigned in favour of repealing the 8th.
“The SU is over the moon with today’s result. It’s been a hard battle for many, but Ireland has spoken and has made their decision very clear,” Aisling Fagan, Vice President for Welfare and Equality elect, said.
“The USI successfully registered over 10,000 students to vote in the lead up in the referendum and over 87% of 18-24-year-olds voted and had their voices heard on Friday. It’s a truly momentous victory for Irish women past, present and future.
“When legislation comes to fruition, I will act as a signpost for any student who may need to avail of services, and I will do my utmost to support them in whatever way they need, in the most compassionate way,” Fagan continued.
Ellen Fitzpatrick and Emily Sheahan
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