Mullen: We are all committed to equal respect and dignity for gay people

Leading campaigner against same sex marriage Ronan Mullen has said everyone on the No side is committed to equal respect and dignity for gay people.

The Independent Senator has been congratulating the Yes side for its victory in the referendum.

"Our country has divided two to one on the proposal to change the meaning of marriage in our society," he said.

"What we are not divided about is how we feel about gay people. Every human being has equal dignity and deserves equal respect and we are all committed to that."

Senator Mullen added: "The No campaign was concerned about the profound effects of redefining marriage, and in particular about the consequences for some children who would be less likely to experience the love of a mother and father in their lives in the event of a Yes vote. That concern was real and it remains justified.

"I recognise that a clear majority of Irish people were not swayed by our concerns. But that does not mean that Yes voters do not share those concerns. I believe people chose yesterday to send a message of affirmation and equal respect to gay people. That was their priority. And I respect that."