Gay couple makes history with civil partnership

HISTORY was made yesterday when Barry Dignam and Hugh Walsh became the first gay couple to undertake public civil partnerships, with the number of guests almost outnumbered by the media.

Dignam, a filmmaker and lecturer, and his partner of 17 years, Hugh Walsh, entered the civil partnership at the Registry Office in Dublin city centre yesterday, claiming the event was a huge step forward for same-sex relationships.

The Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton, issued a press release wishing them well.