Passing referendum 'would benefit Ireland's reputation': Hayes

An MEP for Dublin has said that passing the Marriage Referendum would benefit Ireland's reputation in Europe.

The three MEPs representing Dublin are calling for a YES vote in next month's referendum on same sex marriage.

Sinn Fein's Lynn Boylan, Fine Gael's Brian Hayes and Independent MEP Nessa Childers will be holding up the word YES outside the European Parliament offices in Dublin city this afternoon.

MEP Brian Hayes said that despite their differences on other issues, the three MEPs agreed on marriage equality.

He said: "It's important for Dublin, and for Ireland, that we try to pass this referendum on marriage equality.

"It's important also for our reputation. There's a lot of interest within the European Parliament and in Europe as to how this referendum goes. It's obviously ultimately a matter for the people of Ireland."