Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

The decision is clear. It must be held in 2008 because it must be ratified by 1 January 2009. I have not given up on holding the two referendums on the one day, if possible. We must be fair to the considerable group behind the children's referendum, which is far larger than most groups that seek our assistance. It represents organisations across communities in every part of the country, which would be disappointed if they missed the date in 2008. It is not realistic to hold a referendum in June or September, without the children's amendment, and another for that purpose in 2008. That pushes it back to 2009.

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