Referendum: Historic, divisive campaign draws to a close

Extending marriage rights to same-sex partners would remove the last bastion of institutional homophobia, a gay couple have said.

After casting their ballots in a historic referendum, Richard Lucey, 48 and Paul Higgins, 50, said the vote was about sending a message of support and acceptance to young people coming to terms with their sexuality.

The couple, from Clontarf, north Dublin, who have been together 19 years, said they are pretty sure marriage would be their next step if the vote passes.