Although it is seen by many voters as remote, the parliament has a strong role in promulgating European legislation which – only in areas where the member states have agreed through the treaties – takes precedence over Irish law. The parliament must also approve the EU budget and the appointment of European commissioners, who head up the bloc’s civil service, and usually flexes its muscle on both of these issues.That’s not as straightforward a question as it sounds.
The second change is to make it easier for foreign divorces to the recognised in the State. Although there are two changes proposed, voters will only be asked one question – Yes or No.Voters in Cork, Waterford and Limerick will be asked if they want to change the way local government is organised in their areas to introduce directly-elected mayors with some executive powers.
At the moment council members elect mayors on a one-year term to a largely ceremonial role. What is proposed instead is a US-style mayor position, with executive powers . The extent of the powers that will come with the role are not yet clear and further legislation will be needed if the proposal is carried on Friday.The polls will be open from 7am to 10pm on Friday. Most people have been sent a polling card, but these are not a necessity as long as you are on the register.
Once segregation is completed, the local election, referendum and plebiscite papers can be counted. European ballot counting will commence on Sunday morning, though no results will be announced until polls close all over Europe at 10pm that night. While the referendum and plebiscite results should be available by Sunday at the latest, the count processes for the two elections will be slow, and final results might not be confirmed until early next week.