John Lyons (Dublin North West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Before I get to the issue of the report, I would like to say that the Constitutional Convention, of which I am a member, has been a smashing example of democracy and I believe there is a place for it post February 2014. We need to consider what that place should be. The Convention has been a place of transparency where we have discussed pertinent issues, such as same-sex marriage. This was the most important issue discussed and was done in a democratic, transparent and respectful way.

Tonight's debate concerns the report of the Constitutional Convention on same-sex marriage.

Given that every other party has spoken about its proud track record it would be remiss of me not to mention the Labour Party as its only speaker in the debate. It is not about the Labour Party, Fine Gael, Sinn Féin or Fianna Fáil but most people mentioned their party.

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