A VAGUE awareness and general indecision characterise the Cork public's view of Thursday's bail referendum, judging from a random selection of shoppers and others as they went about their business in the city centre at the weekend.
Retired agricultural adviser Mr Denis Buckley (62), from Ballinahina, confirmed he would be voting, but he still had to make up his mind on the issue.
"I think faster sentencing would help a lot, but I don't think the thing has been explained in enough detail - it's almost as if it's being rushed through," he said.
Ms Ita O'Neill (35), from Barrack Street, agreed on the dearth of public debate, saying there seemed to be very little publicity about the referendum up until last week.
"It was only when the voting cards came through the letter box that I really became aware of it - I will vote, but I haven't made up my mind yet. I'll have to sit down and read up on it," she said.
Self employed machinery contractor Mr Tony Walsh (46), from Midleton, was also critical of the level of public debate on the issue.
"I seem very low key so far. I think it's an important vote because crime is the real issue at the moment, but I don't know if this is going to stop it, because crime starts way back in the family and the home," he said.
Mr Liam Monnher (24), from Mayfield, who works in security, said he would probably be voting for the amendment. "The majority of people the gardai catch and charge are the people who have committed the crime."
Travel agent Ms Jane Schiller (36), from Grange, said she would be voting, but had not considered the issues in full yet. "I think I would be in favour of it - crime is a major issue at the moment and this could help reduce serious crime."
Ms Anne O'Donovan, a nurse from Grenagh, agreed, though she had not made up her mind how she would vote.
"Crime is a big issue - not just in cities, but in the country - and some of it is being committed by people out on bail. If the referendum is passed, I'd be confident the gardai would apply their new power selectively," she said.