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Taoiseach concedes defeat in referendum
By Patrick Logue
07/03/02: The Taoiseach has conceded defeat in the abortion referendum with one constituency - Galway West - yet to declare a result.
Speaking outside Government Buildings in Dublin, Mr Ahern said while he was disappointed by the result he accepted the people had spoken.
The Galway West result is not expected to significantly change the current situation - 50.43 against the Government's proposed amendment.
"I am disappointed but I am a democrat. I made a promise that I would bring it to the people and I think the proposal was an honest reflection" of a consultative process, he added.
But he said: "The result of the election has not changed my personal view".
During the referendum campaign Mr Ahern said he was passionately anti-abortion.
Mr Ahern said politicians now faced a tough challenge as legislators in the wake of a defeat in the referendum.
He added the plight of women travelling to Britain for abortion must also be addressed.
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