This article appeared in The Mayo News on Tuesday, March 12, 2024.

Where to start with the recent referenda?

A shambles, from start to finish, and a costly shambles, at that. Holding Friday’s Care and Family Amendment referendums cost the country – that’s us – €23 million, or the equivalent of almost 93, 000 Carers Allowance payments. Before we even start getting into the nitty-gritty of principles, votes, and campaigns, the arrogance of the government’s abysmal performance in the run-up given the level of expenditure involved speaks volumes about its regard – or lack thereof – for the electorate and our money.