Irish PM Won’t Take sides – yet!

The Irish prime minister, the Taoiseach Enda Kenny has refused to be forced into taking a position on if marriage should be available to gay couples before a forthcoming constitutional convention examines the issue.

Micheál Martin the leader of Fianna Fáil leader had questioned the Irish PM after his he deputy, Mr Eamon Gilmore had pledged his for gay marriage rights public earlier this month. He said: “I believe in gay marriage. The right of gay couples to marry is, quite simply, the civil rights issue of this generation, and, in my opinion, its time has come.”

The Irish leader warned “Deputy Martin will not pressurise me as a citizen, or as leader of the Government, into a box-ticking exercise.”

A constitutional convention of 100 people will meet to examine potential changes to the Irish Constitution and will report to the government on marriage rights for gay couples.

Marriage Equality Director Moninne Griffith said: “We are delighted the Government has begun the process of establishing the Constitutional Convention. Now is the time for marriage equality. In the past few weeks alone we’ve seen an increasing number of [Teachtaí Dála] come out in favour of civil marriage for same sex couples, joining the 73% of Irish people who believe that same sex couples, our families and our children deserve equality. This Convention is the opportunity for us as a country to take the next step as a modern, democratic country that has respect for diversity and that believes in equality.”

Many throughout Ireland are hoping the Constitutional Convention will agree with the majority of Ireland’s population that now is the time for marriage equality, protecting same sex couples under law. Promoting the typical and respected Irish values of justice, equality, respect and above all – fairness.