Updated at 2.30pm
THE LABOUR PARTY is not taking a position on the presidential age referendum in contrast to its coalition partner Fine Gael, which is encouraging a Yes vote.
Labour has said it will concentrate all its campaigning “firepower” on the same-sex marriage referendum on 22 May.
It will not adopt a position on the proposal to reduce the minimum age at which a citizen can stand for the presidency from 35 to 21, which is also being put to the people on the same day.
“We are not taking a position on the presidential age referendum. As a party we’re concentrating our campaigning firepower on making sure the marriage equality referendum is passed,” a spokesperson said.
By contrast, a Fine Gael spokesperson has said the party will be supporting a Yes vote.
A spokesperson for Taoiseach Enda Kenny said last night that in putting forward the matter to a vote of the people the “clear implication” is that the government supports passage of the referendum.
But a spokesperson for Tánaiste Joan Burton said they did not expect Labour to take a formal position on the referendum.
The proposal to reduce the minimum age of presidential candidates from 35 to 21 has come on foot of a recommendation from the Constitutional Convention last year.
However, the latest polls indicate that most people intend to vote No on 22 May. The government has also been criticised for holding a vote on what few people believe is a pressing matter.
Among the opposition parties, Sinn Féin is encouraging a Yes vote. Fianna Fáil indicated during the Dáil debate on the bill that it would also be supporting it.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
have your say