Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I do not need a random selection of citizens to tell me whether I favour marriage equality and neither does the Tánaiste. It is a matter on which the Oireachtas could decide tomorrow morning. I can understand if the Taoiseach wants to go through different electoral systems, and people have different perspectives. This is something on which every citizen has the right to decide. They will not be told or given recommendations on this issue by a random selection of citizens. This is not the type of issue that lends itself to this determination. Governments must lead on these fundamental issues. This should never have been referred to the referendum commission.

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