".it is rather an indictment of media power."
Can't speak about how the debate was reported elsewhere, but the media were fairly balanced (the serious media, that is), giving both sides an equal say - or local press, in fact, gave more prominence to the "nos".
The church were fully represented in the vote, though in my opinion, no power group, especially one with the Catholic Churches record on sexual matters, should not have had a voice - individual churchmen maybe - not a body which has abused its position by abusing and betraying children in their care - in the light of the clerical abuse scandal, their stance was ludicrous - they certainly were nor particularly interested in "protecting the family".
"Whether or not the majority of the population agree is of no importance."
It is probably the most significant aspect of this vote - 10 years or so ago, I doubt if this proposal would have stood a snowballs of being passed - not with the church' opposition - all gone!! - as the Archbishop of Dublin said " the Catholic Church needs to take a reality check".
"This looks like the beginning of the end for Christianity"
If only!
Far from being a uniting influence, the church has proven again and again that the way it has used religion is one of the most devisive and dangerous influence - Northern Ireland, Israel, Syria..... anywhere were religion and politics are indivisible.
There is no doubt that people will continue to believe... no problem - in fact, if the believers and the churches practiced the practical teachings of their various religions, the world would be a better place - the fact that it doesn't happen is borne out by the double standards displayed by the church on matters such as this - say one thing, do the other.      
Great day for the Irish, or what??
Jim Carroll