Ahern's commitment to same-sex marriages questioned

The Taoiseach's commitment to equality for same-sex couples is being called into question by gay rights campaigners.

The questions have been raised by Dr Katherine Zappone, a lesbian woman who is currently taking a case to the Supreme Court seeking recognition of her Canadian marriage to her partner Ann Louise Gilligan.

The couple are in Brussels today to campaign for the non-EU partners of European citizens to be granted work and residency rights.

Dr Zappone says Bertie Ahern could easily grant such rights in Ireland without the need for legislation on civil partnerships.