Vote count begins after referendums to modernise Ireland’s constitution

Amendments will update references to makeup of a family and women’s ‘life within the home’

Ireland has begun counting votes after a double referendum on proposals to modernise constitutional references to the makeup of a family and women’s “life within the home”.

The votes, which took place on International Women’s Day, are the latest attempt to reflect the changing face of Ireland and the waning influence of the once-dominant Catholic church.