That is correct, while it wasn't nessecary for a referendum to introduce it, it was generally the case that a controversial proposal would be brought before the people - not this time; all the calls for compromise (polls supported compromise), and even a referendum were arrogantly ignored by Minister Michael Martin (now demoted, LOL!)!
BTW, any Irish roots yourself?
< /I >
(and a little English, but we don't talk about that!)