Madam, - Stephen Collins compares the outcome of a current opinion poll on the topic of divorce with the referendum outcome of 10 years ago (The Irish Times, February 5th).
This is not comparing like with like, given the discrepancies between polls and referendum outcomes, especially on contentious issues. The MRBI poll in May 1995 showed only 27 per cent in favour of retaining the constitutional ban on divorce, 69 per cent in favour of change, and 5 per cent don't know/no opinion. In the MRBI poll of August 1983, the figures were 31 per cent for retention, 66 per cent for change and only 3 per cent don't know/no opinion.
These figures were, of course, radically different from the actual referendum outcomes. - Is mise,
MICHAEL J. BREEN, Department of Media and Communication Studies, Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick.