Towards an Ireland of equals - Marriage referendum

The decision by the electorate to enshrine within our Constitution the right of all citizens, irrespective of sexual orientation, access to the institution of marriage is a victory for equality.

What a wonderful message of inclusivity and equality we have sent to the world and, more importantly, to many of our fellow citizens who have been victims to societal prejudice around their sexual orientation and gender identity and the inevitable and unwarranted internal torment which results.

We should also celebrate the fact that the debate in the run-up to yesterday’s vote was exercised in a true spirit of democracy, was focused on the legal and constitutional issues at hand and was held largely without vitriol.