A mistaken venture into major change

Lucinda Creighton and Simon Coveney have changed their stance on same-sex marriage and are likely to vote yes in May. The campaign is in a hopeless mess, writes Bruce Arnold.

I publish here parts of a letter sent to Lucinda Creighton. She wrote in response to my sending her my paper, ‘Same-Sex Marriage in the Irish Constitution’. And I write to Simon Coveney, whose decision to lead the Fine Gael campaign on behalf of the marriage referendum — given his other substantial duties of State — has astonished me.

I told Lucinda: “Thank you for your letter in response to my document, ‘Same-Sex Marriage in the Irish Constitution’. I sent it to you to read, which you have not done. This makes your claim that you appreciate my concerns, and respect my opinion, questionable. You refer to the “significant importance” of the issues raised by the referendum and give guidance how citizens should vote. You confirm that your own “deep” discussions with friends and family decided you, well in advance of the campaign, how you would vote. What did they know of the Constitution? How did “family” help you? Why did you not mention it? You say: “I do not believe there has been a fair, balanced or tolerant debate.” How did you make up your mind? You conclude: “If there is anything I can do to be of assistance please do not hesitate to contact me.”