Gay pride march passes through capital

An estimated 12,000 people marched through Dublin's city centre today as part of the annual Pride parade.

The event is now in its 26th year and has picked gay literary icons as this year's theme.

The “Pride and Prejudice” celebrations today are also commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall riots in New York.

Today's parade comes in the wake of the contentious Civil Partnership Bill which was published yesterday. The bill allows same-sex couples to register their civil partnerships and enjoy many of the same rights as married couples.

Some marchers voiced their satisfaction at the bill however saying that gay people are looking for equality and the new bill creates a two-tier system.