Taoiseach may take neutral stance on gay marriage referendum

Taoiseach Enda Kenny may hold next year's referendum on gay marriage without recommending a Yes vote.

The Sunday Times has reported that the Cabinet will ask the Attorney-General whether it can hold a series of referendums next year without the Government having a defined position.

All of the votes would be held on a "Constitution Day" - and be presented to the public as having been recommended by the Constitutional Convention rather than the Government.

Five TDs left Fine Gael over the abortion legislation, and it is believed the issue of gay marriage might also prove contentious for Fine Gael members.

Director of GLEN, Brian Sheehan, says civil partnership is progress, but it does not go all the way.

"It doesn't have the same status and it doesn't have constitutional protection," he said.

"The only family and relationship recognised in Ireland in the founding document of the State, in our Constitution, is marriage."