The quote from former American President John F Kennedy about victory having a thousand fathers but defeat being an orphan went through my mind as the results of the referenda in the Irish Republic rolled in, showing a decisive rejection of the government and main opposition parties’ recommendation for a Yes vote.

When an unexpected result like this happens so decisively, the knee-jerk reaction is to look for scapegoats. The simple reality is that there is never any one reason or one leader to blame for any election defeat, even more so in a referendum.

The defeat was not about one thing. For some voters there was indifference about the issue and for others, it was a chance to kick the government over the myriad of concerns that voters have not just on this issue, but many others.

It is also a cautionary tale for any future bids for constitutional change. Just because you have the overwhelming support of most of the political class and numerous other sectors, does not automatically mean you will be successful on polling day.

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