There is overwhelming support for the Taoiseach's plan to hold a referendum to enshrine the rights of children in the Constitution, according to the findings of the Irish TimesTNS mrbi opinion poll, writes Stephen Collins, Political Correspondent
Respondents were asked, in the light of the Taoiseach's announcement, if they believed the Constitution should be altered to improve the rights of children.
A huge majority, 68 per cent, said yes to the proposal to change the Constitution, 16 per cent said no, and 16 per cent had no opinion.
There was strong support for the plan across all age groups, social classes and political parties. Women were marginally more in favour of the plan than men.
However, those aged over 65 were less enthusiastic than other age groups about the proposal. Strong support came from people in the 18-34 age group. In terms of social class farmers were less enthusiastic than other categories but they were still strongly in support.
Minister for Children Brian Lenihan is consulting the various groups involved in childcare and the other political parties in an effort to get an agreed wording for the proposed constitutional change.
That consultation process is due to be completed in the next few weeks and a referendum is likely to be held in March if there is broad agreement on a wording.
It is likely to be held in tandem with another related issue, that of statutory rape. The Oireachtas Committee on Child Protection recommended last Thursday that the Constitution be changed in the light of the Supreme Court decision to allow the defence of "honest mistake" in rape cases involving a victim under 16.
As to the more recent decision of the Supreme Court, to return baby Ann, a two-year-old adopted child, to her natural parents, a majority of the electorate disapproves of the decision, according to the poll.
Asked if they believed that the Supreme Court was correct to put the rights of natural parents before the rights of adoptive parents, 31 per cent of respondents said yes but 46 per cent said no.
There were some variations in the response of people in different parts of the country and in different age groups to the issue.
In Connacht/Ulster there was a small majority in favour of the Supreme Court decision, in contrast with Dublin, Leinster and Munster, where there was a clear majority against the decision of the court to give the baby back to her natural parents.
Different age groups also had different attitudes. The over-65s were evenly split on the issue while farmers were more closely divided than other social categories.
There were also variations between the supporters of the different political parties, with Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin supporters the most supportive of the Supreme Court decision.
Fine Gael, Labour and Green voters were more critical of the court decision. PD supporters were the most hostile of all to the decision.
The poll was conducted last Monday and Tuesday in face-to-face interviews among a representative sample of 1,000 voters at 100 sampling points throughout the State.