With a plea against apathy, the Labour Party has launched its campaign for a Yes vote in the referendums on the death penalty and on Ireland's participation in an International Criminal Court.
On June 7th voters will be asked to sanction the removal of all references to the death penalty in the Constitution, and to amend it to allow Ireland to participate in an International Criminal Court to be established under the auspices of the UN.
"To date, the discussion on the forthcoming referendums has focused on Nice," said Ms Jan O'Sullivan, the party's spokeswoman on equality and law reform. "While it would be an embarrassment if the Nice Treaty was rejected, it would be particularly humiliating if the public voted against ratification of the International Criminal Court."
The party's spokesman on foreign affairs, Mr Michael D. Higgins, expressed concern over a weekend poll which showed that 28 per cent of voters supported retention of the death penalty.
"It shows we should not be complacent in our campaign to ensure that this referendum is passed," he said.
"The Government has a duty to ensure that public debate on all the forthcoming referendums takes place," said Ms O'Sullivan.
"Most people do not know what the referendum on the International Criminal Court is about, and when in doubt they may decide to stay at home on polling day or, worse still, vote against its ratification.
"The really important aspect of the powers of the International Criminal Court is that it has no borders as far as violations of human rights are concerned. It also scuppers the notion that those who served in high office, such as presidents and prime ministers, can plead immunity.
"Our ratification will ensure that no one can hide behind Irish borders from that court."
Mr Jim Loughran of Amnesty International said the organisation supported a Yes vote.