The Taoiseach has indicated that he would have "no hang-ups" about revisiting the issue of Cabinet confidentiality following the narrow passage of the referendum at the weekend. Mr Ahern said he would have no problem reconsidering the question if the all-party Committee on the Constitution so decided.
The referendum to enshrine Cabinet confidentiality in the Constitution and provide for two exceptions to the absolute rule was carried on Saturday by 52.65 per cent to 47.35 per cent. The turn-out was 46.42 per cent, close on 0.5 per cent or 11,625 votes, less than that achieved in the accompanying presidential election.
The high level of spoiled votes - 66,111 - was greater than the 63,602 margin of victory.
Eight constituencies in the State rejected the referendum, including Cork North Central, Cork South Central and Limerick East, the latter being the political base of former Minister, Mr Des O'Malley, who opposed the amendment.
Five Dublin constituencies also rejected the change. The highest "no" vote nationally, 56.66 per cent, was recorded in Dublin South East, base of the former PD TD, Mr Michael McDowell, who campaigned against the referendum. The other constituencies were Dublin North Central, Dublin South, Dublin South Central and Dun Laoghaire.
The Green Party TD, Mr John Gormley, told The Irish Times last night that, following consultations with its lawyers, the party was satisfied that there were no grounds for challenging the referendum result.
A Government spokesman said it was very pleased with the positive outcome to the referendum, "which now provides a mechanism to enable the two current tribunals to deal with the issue of Cabinet confidentiality if it arises in the course of their work".
The Moriarty tribunal has been established to investigate any further sources of funding to the lifestyles of Mr Charles Haughey and Mr Michael Lowry and, in particular, whether any such donors were the beneficiaries of any of their Government decisions.
The planning tribunal will inquire into the circumstances surrounding the £30,000 payment to former Minister, Mr Ray Burke, in 1989, and other planning matters.
