Opinion

Elaine Byrne: Upcoming referendums will expose Irish politics to influence of money

The gaps in the electoral legislation which allow NGOs and companies to fund campaign groups will come to the fore in the coming weeks

Declan Ganley’s Libertas Institute successfully campaigned for a No vote in the 2008 Lisbon Treaty referendum but failed at the second outing in 2009, during which Libertas spent €5.65 million. Picture: Stephen Collins/Collins

In 60 days, two referendums on articles 41 and 42 of the constitution will be held. On International Women's Day on March 8, the Irish people will be asked to broaden the definition of family beyond marriage and recognise all those who provide care in and outside the home.

It is all well-meaning and overdue, but the government must be nervous. Good intentions are all very well, but they don’t butter any parsnips. The referendums ...