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#MarRef: Here's how Ireland decided yesterday...

Ireland yesterday made global history, after backing same-sex marriage in a popular vote. Just ov...
Newstalk
Newstalk

08.40 23 May 2015


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#MarRef: Here's how Ir...

#MarRef: Here's how Ireland decided yesterday...

Newstalk
Newstalk

08.40 23 May 2015


Share this article


Ireland yesterday made global history, after backing same-sex marriage in a popular vote.

Just over 62% supported changing the Constitution, with more than 1.2 million people turning out in support of marriage equality.

After all constituencies had declared, only Roscommon-South Leitrim voted against the proposal.

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What the moment the final declaration was announced at Dublin Castle:

See a breakdown in our live blog here.

This map shows areas that voted yes (green) and no (red)

Thousands gathered at Dublin Castle and the surrounding streets to celebrate the result:

This was the response at the nearby PantiBar:

Early tallies showed the referendum would pass nationally with a comfortable majority.

The Tánaiste and Labour leader Joan Burton dubbed yesterday as 'rainbow day' and the No side conceded defeat early on.

David Quinn of the Iona Institure - who spearheaded the No campaign, tweeted: "Congratulations to the Yes side. Well done".

Mothers and Fathers Matter issued a statement earlier: "We offer our warm congratulations to the Yes campaign on their victory. There are thousands of people who worked hard for them to achieve this result, and they can be justifiably happy with their efforts today."

"Though at times this campaign was unpleasant for people on all sides, nobody who involves themselves in a campaign does so with anything but the good of their country at heart. There is no better way to resolve difference than the way we are using today."

After the result, the Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Tánaiste Burton gave their views.

From the off when the boxes were opened this morning the Yes votes spilled out 2-to-1 over No in many parts of the country.

Every Dublin region ticked the Yes box on the ballot paper.

Donegal, Tipperary, Cork North-West - which often buck the trend - all came out in favour.

But even some of the remotest areas on the Atlantic seaboard voted Yes - the Dingle Peninsula, the parish of Quilty in Clare and the islands of Inis Boffin and Inis Móir.

This was the moment history was made by returning officer Riona Ní Flanghaile at Dublin Castle.

Earlier Reaction 

Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams says the Yes side won the support of people across age, class and social divides.

He says it is the start of a new era for Ireland.

The Tánaiste Joan Burton told Newstalk that Ireland's 'céad míle fáilte' has just been extended.

Senator David Norris says the result is a vindication of Ireland, and has thanked voters.

Health Minister Leo Varadkar has told Newstalk this saw unprecedented campaigning for a referendum.

Former Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore has been a long-standing advocate for same-sex marriage.

He says he is delighted with the tallies - and gay couples will now have another major issue on their hands.

This woman at Dublin Castle told Newstalk.com's Henry McKean it is a very emotional day.

Louise Dorris, who campaigned for a No vote, told Newstalk the issues of assisted reproduction and surrogacy will still need to be addressed.

Rory O'Neill, also known as PantiBliss, is delighted with the emerging results in the referendum.

He says he became more confident of a Yes vote as the campaign gathered momentum.

And he told Newstalk he hopes some No campaigners will come and join the celebrations tonight.


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