A Godless Union

Source: Politics.ie

Despite pressure from the Vatican and other religious leaders, Irish premier Bertie Ahern has confirmed that the constitution will not get a reference to God. However, the reference to “religious values” will remain, he said.

Prior to embarking of a tour of the accession countries, Ahern also said the British decision had opened the constitution up to a wider and more open debate.

Even in countries with no plans to hold a referendum, parliamentary scrutiny into the constitution was putting pressure on politicians to ensure "not only can they agree to things but they must make sure that people understand them", he added.