‘Wrap our arms around them here in Ireland’: Social media campaigns in the Irish abortion referendum

The 8th Amendment to the Irish Constitution, which codified a near-absolute ban on abortion in Ireland, was ratified 1983 and removed after high profile campaign ‘Repeal 8th’ 2018. This article analyses language of pro-choice group Together for Yes anti-choice groups Love Both Pro-Life Ireland that campaigned ‘Save 8th’. We combine an application Appraisal framework with account conceptual metaphor Critical Discourse Analysis both campaigns social network platform Twitter. sides Referendum’ strategically utilised across wide range semiotic modes. assesses specific role media referendum connects these strategies wider tactics sides.