#HomeToVote - the women (and men) who've flown thousands of miles to Repeal the Eighth
They've come from Australia, Canada, the US and Asia; they've spent hours on planes, on ferries and on buses; and it's cost them, in some cases, hundreds of pounds. Some have even donated hundreds of pounds towards the journeys of others. They are the women and men of the Irish diaspora, travelling home to vote in today's historic referendum on abortion in the hope of swinging a devilishly close result in their favour.
At stake is the eighth amendment to the Irish constitution, which effectively outlaws abortion, except when there is a risk to the mother's life. Those who want to see their country's strict rules on the issue relaxed - to "repeal the eighth" - will vote yes. Those who wish to retain the status quo will vote no.
If the referendum has been divisive, it has also proved to be a unifying moment for those on the same side. As recent emigrants flocked home in their "Repeal" tops and badges, their stories abounded on social media: those of long journeys and emotional homecomings; and of strangers bonding en route, around a common cause.
Here, in 15 tweets, we tell the story of the masses going home to vote.
With flights into Ireland fully booked, some had an arduous passage back home
Last minute decision to go #hometovote to #repealthe8th No flights left from London, so I have a 4 hour train, 4 hour wait and 3 hour ferry to make it home to vote- which is a walk in the park in comparison to the journey that Irish women are making every day to the UK
— Michelle McHugh (@MichelleMarleyy) May 24, 2018
But they made new friends along the way
I made friends at the boarding gate. Not one of us knew each other. #hometovote#london#ireland@LdnIrishARCpic.twitter.com/w7A91tUrZu
— Danielle Stephens (@DaniS1006) May 24, 2018
And received a warm welcome on arrival
Big crowd of people at Dublin Airport arrivals cheering everyone with a Yes badge or a repeal jumper who’s come #HomeToVote. My heart. ���� pic.twitter.com/YWn4YKjOkS
— Matthew Carson (@matthewcarson) May 24, 2018
������������THERE IS A LADY AT DUBLIN AIRPORT HANDING OUT BAGS OF TAYTO TO ALL THE ONES COMING #HOMETOVOTE ������������
��������������������
I.
ADORE.
THIS.
STUPID.
COUNTRY.
��������������������— Caoimhín RuPeal The 8th (@yascaoimhin) May 24, 2018
Some spent great sums to be there
Last minute flight from Vancouver to London: $1500
Length of journey: 15 hours
Repealing the 8th: priceless.
Me mas's reacrion: also priceless. ��#HomeToVote#abroadforyespic.twitter.com/G11cjh11c2— Vancouver Kilo (@Kilo53908733) May 25, 2018
Others had to rely on the generosity of strangers
The kindness of randomers is amazing! Got the price of a flight from Abu Dhabi to Dublin donated in 20 mins! I’m coming #hometovote ����
— Avril Wall (@theres_WALLY) May 24, 2018
This girl posted in the #AbroadForYes fb group FIFTY SIX MINUTES AGO and has already raised enough money to pay for her €1186 flight that will get her #HomeToVote tomorrow and back to Abu Dhabi for work on Sunday. Blown away. #TogetherForYes#Repealthe8thpic.twitter.com/T4bZhZBL3U
— Rebekah (@Rebekah_Kane) May 24, 2018
a friend of mine wasn’t allowed fly from Manchester as she forgot her passport. random stranger in the airport transferred her 400 pounds to book flights tomorrow morning. She will be #hometovote. I will be crying
— ruth cunningham (@rthcnnghm) May 24, 2018
It wasn't just a young people's thing
I hope these two fabulous ladies don’t have to protest this bollixology in another 34 years.#Repeal#hometovote#repealthe8th#trustpic.twitter.com/7Fadzce9fw
— Edel Kennedy (@edelkennedy) May 24, 2018
And it wasn't just a women's thing
All the men walking through Gatwick airport wearing repeal merch makes me so unbelievably happy #HometoVote
— Anna Banana (@Anna15197) May 24, 2018
This pushed me right over the edge. #grandfathers4yes#Together4Yes#hometovote#repealthe8thpic.twitter.com/gdOh57yH0a
— TÁrudi Mc Donald (@TrooDee) May 24, 2018
They did it for their sisters
My 'drop of golden' son just landed in Cork airport. He is #hometovote and will be voting YES for his sister, YES his mum & YES for a better day for women and a kinder Ireland. Our family all #TogetherForYes#together2vote@CorkTogether4Ypic.twitter.com/fK9Dc7nCi6
— Colette Kelleher (@ColetteKelleher) May 24, 2018
And for their daughters
We're on a weeks family holiday in Spain. Today I take car, train, another train, plane and then mammy mobile to get to my polling station on time. For me and for this girl. #hometovote#RunJoRunpic.twitter.com/0ZFygX1z5h
— Joanne Byrne (@jolisby) May 25, 2018
They did it for a woman who died after being denied an abortion
Remembering #savitahalappanavar and her loved ones today, I hope and pray that your memory will help Ireland #Repeal8th and say NEVER AGAIN! pic.twitter.com/lUiasw7CI9
— Dil Wickremasinghe (@DilW) May 25, 2018
They travelled so that women would no longer have to do so when in need
#HomeToVote better be the last time the 8th amendment causes anyone to travel
— Shane O'Mahony (@ShaneOMahony10) May 24, 2018
Today, Ireland decides