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Campaigning continues ahead of gay marriage vote

Trinity College Dublin students put up banner in favour of gay marriage
Trinity College Dublin students put up banner in favour of gay marriage Trinity College Dublin students put up banner in favour of gay marriage

The Republic could become the first country in the world to legalise gay marriage through a referendum when voters go to the polls on Friday.

Campaigning on both sides of the debate continued yesterday, with the north's Green Party calling for a Yes vote.

Polls published at the weekend suggest that the Yes campaign will win the vote. Although critics of the figures have pointed out that polls failed to predict a Conservative majority in the UK general election.

No campaigner Paddy Manning yesterday said those in favour of maintaining the Republic's current constitution had become less afraid to voice their opinion.

"I have been amazed to see the diversity of people supporting a no vote in this referendum," he said.

He urged people to take a closer look at the No campaign's arguments.

"I am strongly urging people who are still unsure of how to vote to take a closer look at the ‘No’ arguments before Friday," he said.

"The Government has tried to spin the referendum as a straightforward amendment.

"But people are starting to see that it is much more than that. The ‘No’ side clearly won all the recent TV debates on the issue and the Government knows that. Their response has been to attack ‘No’ campaigners since they realise they can’t reassure the public on the legitimate concerns that have been raised."

Speaking ahead of the referendum, Green Party leader Steven Agnew voiced his support for the Yes campaign.

“There is a momentous opportunity for our neighbours in the South to say that they want to see marriage equality for all," he said.

“Marriage is a constitutional right and the Green Party believes that this right must now be extended to our friends, colleagues, allies in the LGBT community.

“It is now time to extend the protection that marriage gives to all the LGBT citizens in Ireland.

“I urge support for the Yes campaign."

However, Mr Agnew said the vote was "not a done deal".

"Votes matter. If you believe in equality, if you believe that two people who love each other should be able to marry, then please vote Yes," he said.