The Hard Shoulder Divorce in Ireland - 30 years on
Nov 24, 2025
Ivana Bacik, a progressive Labour Party TD and key figure in the 1995 divorce referendum, joins Michelle Brown, a divorce consultant and author specializing in family mediation. They discuss how divorce legislation in Ireland has transformed since its narrow approval 30 years ago. Ivana reflects on the toxic campaign and religious opposition, while Michelle emphasizes the importance of legal rights and the shift towards compassionate mediation. The duo also addresses ongoing stigma and courtroom trauma, advocating for a more supportive approach to family separation.
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Nail-Biting Referendum Victory
- Ivana Bacik recalls the 1995 referendum as a knife-edged campaign that felt like extraordinary relief when it passed.
- She remembers toxic slogans and strong Catholic Church opposition that made the victory feel fragile.
Decades Of Campaigning Shaped The Vote
- Ivana emphasizes sustained activism by Labour figures and campaigners dating back to the 1980s.
- She notes the failed 1986 referendum and the Catholic Church's strong opposition shaped the narrow 1995 result.
Use Mediation Over Court Where Possible
- Michelle Brown highlights the Mediation Act 2017 as a major reform and urges using mediation over courts.
- She stresses mediation leads to kinder outcomes and better protection for children during separations.
