Taoiseach quiet on same-sex marriage support

The Taoiseach has refused to say whether or not he supports same-sex marriage, which the Tánaiste, Eamon Gilmore, has described as “the civil rights issue of this generation”.

Enda Kenny, who said in 2007 that he did not favour same-sex marriage, was asked a number of times yesterday if he was stillopposed to marriage equality.

Mr Kenny accused journalists of “looking for a story” and insisted the issue will be examined by the Constitutional Convention, which will begin considering a range of issues in the autumn.

Mr Kenny could be forced into stating his position before then because he is scheduled to address the first annual conference of his party’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender group in September, along with Alan Shatter, the justice minister.

Chairman of that group and Fine Gael’s only openly gay TD, Jerry Buttimer, defended the Taoiseach’s decision to defer the issue to the Constitutional Convention.

“He has been very supportive of me personally and very supportive of the formation of the party’s LGBT group,” said Mr Buttimer.

The Cork South Central TD said he hopes the Constitutional Convention “will prioritise it” and that a referendum will be held on the issue before the end of the Coalition’s term in office.

Mr Kenny was asked to clarify his position yesterday following weekend comments by Mr Gilmore on the issue at a press conference with campaign group Marriage Equality.

“It is my view that gay people should have the right to marry,” Mr Gilmore said. “I think that is the view of most people in this country. Irish society has moved on considerably on this issue.”

Asked if he agreed with this position, Mr Kenny replied: “You are looking for a story here. I speak as Taoiseach. The Government have put in place a process here that will be seen through on a whole range of issues, including the question of gay marriage.”

He said it will be “considered properly, fully, and comprehensively by the Constitutional Convention when it becomes effective”.

Asked if his personal view was to oppose gay marriage, he said: “I’m answering you as head of Government and as Taoiseach, and that’s the process that was set out very clearly and that’s the process we will follow.”