Taoiseach calls for 'Yes' vote

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said that putting an 'X' beside Yes in Saturday's children's referendum would be the 'X factor" that would protect children in future.

Mr Kenny he hoped that the turnout on Saturday would be as high as possible as voting to underwrite the rights of children was the right thing to do.

The Taoiseach was appearing at a photocall where the four main political parties came together to urge a Yes vote in the poll.

He was flanked by Labour leader and Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore, Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin and Sinn Fein's health spokesman Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin.

Asked was he concerned that the turn-out would be low, Mr Kenny responded: "The right thing to do is to vote X beside Yes. This is the 'X Factor' that is going to protect and provide opportunities for so many children in the time ahead. It will be a statement of our values as a people and a country."

Asked if he was satisfied by the support and efforts given by opposition parties during the campaign, Mr Kenny answered in the affirmative.

"All the parties have been doing their campaigns. It's not the normal referendum. We must make sure that everybody irrespective of their political creed goes out and votes on Saturday.

"This is the people's opportunity to put something in the constitution that is so important for us all: that is the protection of the innocence of children that currently a minority [of children] do not have in this country."