However, Nora Owen has said that the preparation alone required for the referendum makes this timeline unrealistic. "I think that Pope or no Pope, you're probably looking at a longer date than May and June, and you can't push it into July or August," she said. "Therefore you're probably talking about October. Earlier: Repeal supporters concerned that referendum may take place after Pope's visitThere are concerns the abortion referendum will be delayed until after the Pope's visit in August. Supporters of repealing the 8th Amendment fear that the Pope's visit as part of the World Meeting of Families would boost the pro-life campaign.

Source: Evening echo December 31, 2017 08:37 UTC