Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I am thankful for the opportunity to speak to this new legislation, the Civil Unions Bill. I support this progressive legislation and, unlike the Tánaiste, I am standing by the Republic. We must build and develop a republic based on equality and respect for human rights. Those who have the privilege of being elected to the House must show respect to all citizens. It is not just about accommodating difference, but enjoying and celebrating diversity. That is the future of this country and this island.

I thank all the gay and lesbian people who have contacted my office in the past week on the Bill. I will quote from one e-mail which sums up the legislation for me and many others. It reads:

I am with my partner for almost six years. We both work, we pay our taxes, we socialise, we go on holidays, we are normal people living our lives together. To our family and friends we are like any other couple they know, only we are not! Because my partner happens to be the same gender as me we are not represented by the Government like every other couple. By supporting the Civil Unions Bill you will be giving all members of Irish society similar rights. If the Civil Unions Bill is passed my partner and I intend to have our relationship recognised and celebrated and in doing so will be able to secure legal protection for our future, something that if you are gay you don't have the right to!

I thank you for taking the time to read my e-mail and again hope that you will support the Civil Unions Bill tonight in the Dáil. My position is summed up by this e-mail. How can anyone, even the President of Poland, who has the brass neck to lecture people on this matter, argue against it?

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