The No campaigns were divided over the result of today's referendum. While some said it was clear that people wanted legislation on the X-case, others claimed it as a clear victory for the Pro-life campaign and for the unborn child.
The two main opposition leaders, Mr Michael Noonan of Fine Gael and Labour’s Mr Ruairi Quinn said that the electorate wanted the Supreme Court decision in the X case to stand.
"This is the second time in ten years the people have declined to roll back the judgment in the X Case," said Mr Noonan. "It is clear that a majority, albeit small, want the Supreme Court decision on Article 40.3.3 to stand".
Mr Quinn said the vote meant "the X case stays and women who are suicidal and who are pregnant from an unwanted pregnancy are entitled to have an abortion in this country and we now need to legislate for that".
MEP for Connacht-Ulster Ms Dana Rosemary Scallon said she believed it was a victory for the unborn child.
"I think it would be very, very wrong for anyone to assert that this No vote was because there was a call for more liberal abortion. If it [the amendment] had been worded in a way that was acceptable to Pro-life people in this country, it would have been passed," said Ms Scallon.
Mr Quinn said he felt a lot of people traditionally on the Yes side abstained or spoiled their vote because as far as they were concerned, the compromises which were brought about were unacceptable to them.
"All I can say on behalf of progressive and liberal Ireland and in particular on behalf of the Labour Party and our constituents, is that this is a great victory," said Mr Quinn. Spokesman for the Mother and Child Campaign, which campaigned for a No vote, Mr Justin Barrett said: "What has happened here today is that radical pro-abortionists who want abortion on demand have naturally voted against this and the majority of our supporters. The pro-life people, have also voted No.
"What it shows is the vast majority of Irish people continue to be pro-life and many of them were frightened and bullied into voting Yes," he said.