It is accepted that ‘best practice’ for the wellbeing of a child, its parents and society is for that child to be raised in a family with its biological parents.

No disrespect to Aidan Dooley, but he did not “single-handedly raise the ghost” of Tom Crean (Artslife, May 18).

The ‘no’ side is concerned about procreation and what this might mean if same-sex marriage is permitted.

I have ceased to listen to any debates on the marriage referendum.

We are an independent group of psychologists in Ireland. Same-sex preference is part of the spectrum of human sexuality and is in no way abnormal or pathological.

While fully supporting the civil partnership arrangements that already provide same sex couples with very extensive legal security, I see the idea of homosexual “marriage” in quite a different light.

It is fashionable in ‘southern’ media to uncritically characterise Donegal’s response to constitutional referenda as a uniform ‘no’. A more rigorous examination of the facts does not support this view (c.f. referendum on judicial pay).

If marriage is redefined in Ireland, I fear that you will suffer when the ballot paper you ticked with emotion turns out to have far more practical consequences than you ever dreamed.

Upon the confirmation of a referendum on same sex marriage I immediately knew how I would vote.

Shane has returned from living in London to take over the family farm in North Cork, as his father has become incapacitated with Alzheimer’s.