Same-sex Unions Bill defeated

A Labour party Bill on same sex unions was defeated in the Dáil last night.

Fianna Fáil TD Barry Andrews and PD deputy Fiona O'Malley had both criticised the position taken by the Government, but voted against the Bill.

Labour Leader Pat Rabbitte told the House that the opening statement on the matter by Michael McDowell, whom he referred to as the "Minister for so-called Equality", was nothing short of disgraceful: "His performance was shameful, shallow, rowdy, incoherent, arrogant and bombastic farce."

Deputy Rabbitte added: "Given that you have to accept that he's not a stupid man, one could only be driven to the conclusion that his performance was deliberately deceitful."