The Children’s Rights Referendum was carried today by a margin of 58% in favour of the amendment to 42% against.

The margin was tighter in the Mayo constituency, with 53% in favour and 47% against.

Turnout in this constituency reflected the national situation. However, with only 32% of those eligible going to the polls in this constituency, it was up to 10% lower than in other constituencies, including some in Dublin, where turnout reached 42%.

Tallies by Fine Gael showed high percentages of No votes in boxes in Ballina Town, Ballyheane, Belcarra and Carrowteigue.

Elsewhere in the region, Sligo-North Leitrim carried the referendum with 56% voting Yes and 44% voting No.

In Galway West, 62% voted Yes – one of the biggest majorities in favour of the referendum of any constituency.

In Galway East, the Yes side was ahead by a margin of 59% to 41; while in Roscommon South-Leitrim, the Yes side was 53% and the No side 47%.

The only constituencies to return a majority No vote were Donegal South-West (57%), Donegal North-West (60% against) and Dublin North West (50.39%).

Speaking at the Castlebar count centre this morning, Minister for State Michael Ring, said the issue of Saturday voting had played a role in the low turnout and would have to be reconsidered in the future.