Dublin: It has been revealed that Senator Lisa Chambers from Mayo, who actively campaigned for a yes vote in the recent decisive referendums where the government faced defeat, ultimately voted no. Chambers, a key figure in the campaign advocating for a yes vote, disclosed that she opted to vote against both constitutional amendments.
Chambers explained that while initially supporting the yes campaign, she had a last-minute change of heart and decided to cast her vote in the negative direction. This change in stance, she asserted, was influenced by leaked legal advice from the Attorney General.
Chambers, speculated to be the party’s candidate for the Midlands-North-West constituency in the upcoming European Parliament elections, faced criticism for leading a yes campaign despite ultimately voting no. The referendum results, particularly the backlash from women opposed to removing the word “mother” from the constitution, have raised questions about her leadership in the yes campaign.
Chambers had actively participated in distributing referendum leaflets alongside Minister of State Thomas Byrne on Grafton Street from February 23, as part of Fianna Fáil’s campaign. However, she admitted to not disclosing her voting position to party leader Micheál Martin and refrained from extensive campaigning due to her uncertainty regarding her vote. Nonetheless, she was aware of the party, government, and opposition’s endorsement of a yes vote.
Initially inclined to vote yes in the family referendum, Chambers’ position shifted due to doubts surrounding the proposed amendment and inconsistencies between the Attorney General’s advice and government ministers’ statements, particularly regarding the removal of the word “mother” from the constitution.
Deputy Prime Minister Micheál Martin acknowledged the people’s verdict on the referendums, stressing the government’s acceptance of the outcome. He emphasized that no individual should be held accountable for the result, emphasizing the long-standing debate over changing the constitution’s provisions regarding women in the home. However, he urged against viewing the outcome as a source of division within the government.
Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher criticised the government’s handling of the referendums, suggesting a failure in management.
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