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Mon 07 Jul 2007The Constitution 70 years onSeventy years ago yesterday the people voted to approve a new Constitution for this State with moderate enthusiasm: 56 per cent were in favour and 44 per cent were opposed. The 1937 Constitution is regarded now as a signal success, surpassing the modest expectations then set for what has since become, perhaps, Éamon de Valera's greatest achievement.The higher courts have skilfully interpreted its provisions, notably since the early 1960s, as judges have adapted the State's basic law to reflect a fast changing society.