Strong support for same-sex marriage equality, Howlin claims

The Minister for Public Expenditure, Brendan Howlin, claims there is a strong view across the country in favour of same-sex marriage.

Howlin said the people believe that same-sex marriage is an equality issue.

"We've already had many years now of understanding that same-sex unions work, in terms of civil registration, and that's worked itself out legally," he said.

"And I think the logical next step is to ask the people to endorse formal marriage."

An opinion poll published yesterday shows 76% of people support marriage equality in a referendum.

The coalition has said it will hold the poll in early 2015.