‘Two wallops’ for Government as No-No vote emerges strong

As the political blame game begins, what will be the fallout from the defeat?

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Taoiseach Leo Varadkar reacts as he speaks to the media inside Dublin Castle during the referendum counts on Saturday. Counting has been under way after two referendums were held on family and care in the Republic of Ireland. Photograph: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar reacts as he speaks to the media inside Dublin Castle during the referendum counts on Saturday. Counting has been under way after two referendums were held on family and care in the Republic of Ireland. Photograph: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images

Although counting is still underway in the family and care referendums, the Government has already admitted defeat, with a No-No result looking like the only outcome.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar described the result as “two wallops” for Government, while Tánaiste Micheál Martin said there is “no single reason” why the proposals were rejected, and a time for reflection will ensue.

As the political blame game now begins, what will be the fallout from the defeat? Hugh Linehan talks to Pat Leahy and Jennifer Bray.

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