FG's Buttimer 'confident' party would support same-sex marriage

Fine Gael TD Jerry Buttimer has said he is "quite confident" the party would support same-sex marriage in a referendum.

The Government yesterday announced the establishment of the constitutional convention which will see a group of politicians and ordinary citizens decide whether to put specific issues to the people, including gay marriage.

The Taoiseach yesterday refused to give his position on the issue, after coming under pressure in the Dáil.

A number of Fine Gael ministers have indicated their support for a constitutional referendum including the issue of same-sex marriage.

Cork South Central Deputy Jerry Buttimer said that if a referendum were to be held, the party would recommend a yes vote.

"I would be quite hopeful and confident (of that)," he said. "I want to see a debate and people being informed in a proper, meaningful manner."

Jerry Buttimer became Fine Gael’s first TD to come out as gay after the party launched a new forum to push for gay equality in April.