Party politics put aside as TDs host joint meeting

Two Westmeath deputies from opposite sides of the Dáil are joining forces this week to host an information meeting in Mullingar ahead of the Children Referendum on Saturday.Deputy Robert Troy of Fianna Fáil and Deputy Willie Penrose of the Labour Party will chair the meeting in The Greville Arms Hotel tomorrow, Thursday November 8, at 8pm."This is one of those rare times when the day-to-day politics can be put aside in support of a very important issue that is non-political in my view," said Deputy Troy, the FF spokesperson on children.He is looking forward to placing his views on the referendum on public record: "This referendum is an extremely important moment for Ireland and the future of our children," he pointed out. "The Irish people will decide on a proposal to enshrine specific rights of children in Bunreacht na hÉireann. The Irish people do not lightly vote to change the constitution and I have been working to inform the public as to why we believe this change is right for our children and right the country."Deputy Penrose, for his part, says a yes vote is critical for the future of Irish children. "The proposed change to Article 42 (a) of the constitution is a strong and robust legal wording, which aims to protect every child, every day of their life, and I have no doubt that his proposed change will have a meaningful and lasting outcome for children."The Irish people are sovereign and it is only with their say so and approval that the constitution can be changed, and I would urge people to engage fully with the issues addressed in the referendum."I would also urge people to turn out, and I welcome the fact that voting will take place on a Saturday. Voting is one of the most accessible and direct forms of a citizen's participation in democracy. We now have an ideal opportunity to build a new republic which places the dignity of children at its heart."I would ask people to inform themselves fully of the issues, and along with my Labour Party colleagues, and along with my colleagues in Longford Westmeath, we are actively campaigning to ensure that people are so informed, and this amendment is passed."The chieft guest speaker at tomorrow's meeting is Dr Geoffrey Shannon, chairperson of the Adoption Authority of Ireland.• see also, opinion and letters, page 9.