The Taoiseach has described the defeat of the Seanad referendum as "a wallop". Enda Kenny says he will now reflect on the role the Seanad should play in Irish politics.

The Taoiseach says he may refer the matter to the Constitutional Convention. But he says he is still happy that he put the question to the public.

The referendum to abolish the Seanad was defeated by 51.73% after a day of close tallies and results.

The country was split more or less in an East-West divide. But in the end, the strong No vote in the east proved too difficult to overcome.

The government faces tough questions now following the defeat.

The final figures in the referendum result, with a map showing Yes votes in green and No votes in red

Returing officer Ríona Ni Fhlanghaile made the announcement at Dublin Castle this afternoon.

The Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin says the government campaign was based on spin rather than substance.

The Democracy Matters group, who were campaign for a No vote, say this now provides a path for real reform.