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Irish abortion referendum - LIVE: PM Varadkar 'quietly confident' eighth amendment will be repealed as voters go to polls Irish abortion referendum - LIVE: Exit poll suggests 'Yes' vote has won in 68% landslide
(about 2 hours later)
Ireland has gone to the polls in a referendum that could end the country’s ban on abortion. Polls have closed in Ireland‘s referendum that could end the country’s ban on abortion - and an exit poll suggests the ‘Yes’ vote has won landslide support.
Voters have been casting ballots over whether to repeal the eighth amendment of the country’s constitution, which recognises the equal right to life of both mother and unborn child, effectively banning terminations. Voters cast ballots over whether to repeal the eighth amendment of the country’s constitution, which recognises the equal right to life of both mother and unborn child, effectively banning terminations.
This amendment has been in place since 1983, and the campaign to repeal it has rapidly picked up steam in recent years, spurred on by cases such as the death of Savita Halappanavar in 2012.This amendment has been in place since 1983, and the campaign to repeal it has rapidly picked up steam in recent years, spurred on by cases such as the death of Savita Halappanavar in 2012.
The first exit polls are expected shortly after polls close at 10pm, and the final result will be declared on Saturday afternoon.
If the amendment is repealed, it will allow the Irish government to legislate on abortion as they see fit, most likely allowing terminations within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
The two biggest parties in the country, Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, are allowing members to take a free position on the issue, while Sinn Fein and Labour are officially backing a Yes vote.
You can follow the day's events here and on our Facebook group. 
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If the amendment is repealed, it will allow the Irish government to legislate on abortion as they see fit, most likely allowing terminations within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
The two biggest parties in the country, Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, are allowing members to take a free position on the issue, while Sinn Fein and Labour are officially backing a Yes vote.
You can follow the day’s events here and on our Facebook group.