If the Children’s Referendum is passed it is believed the decision may be challenged in the courts in light of a Supreme Court ruling last week.

Less then 48 hours before polling day the Supreme Court ruled that the government-led information campaign in the form of its website and household booklets was one-sided in favour of the Yes campaign.

The first results in the referendum show the proposal will be carried but by a tighter margin that previously thought.

Donegal South-West was the first constituency to declare giving a strong No vote.

That has since been followed by Yes votes in Limerick, Galway, Tipperary and Cork North-Central.

The national turnout from those declared stands at 32% with a Yes-No of 56% to 44%.

Role in future referenda

The Children’s Minister Frances Fitzgerald says the material was put together in good faith and that all the normal procedures involving the Attorney-General and the Department of Children were adhered to.

However Deputy Fitzgerald admits the Supreme Court ruling will force the government to examine its involvement in all future referenda.

She was speaking to The Sunday Show here on Newstalk.