Mary McAleese: We must back marriage equality poll

Former president Mary McAleese has said Ireland owes it to people who were “pushed into the shadows” or died by suicide because of outdated views on homosexuality to back next month’s marriage equality referendum.

She made the remarks in a interview where she insisted the country must vote in favour of the May 22 vote if it wants to finally live up to its constitutional promise to cherish all children equally.

Her comments comes six weeks ahead of polling day, with the yes side showing a small lead in a number of recent national polls.