Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

-----who personally championed the issue of marriage equality, and described it as the civil liberties issue of this generation. He has been vindicated. I also commend the Constitutional Convention, which, through its 79% majority vote in support of marriage equality, placed this referendum very firmly on the Government's agenda. We then saw the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and all the political parties, along with the Government, championing the cause of marriage equality.

I pay tribute to all those who campaigned and canvassed so hard, particularly the civil society groups such as the Yes Equality coalition. This coalition galvanised huge numbers of young and older people to go out canvassing. I was canvassing with them and with the Labour Party across Dublin Bay south. It was incredible to see the immense numbers that came out. Tribute should be paid to Gráinne Healy, Brian Sheehan and all those who led the Yes Equality grouping from the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network, GLEN, Marriage Equality and the Irish Council for Civil Liberties.

Others have mentioned Home to Vote, which was a very moving, last-minute campaign. I had a friend who flew home from the Middle East for 24 hours to vote. Colleagues have talked about the national conversation and the personal stories that contributed to the incredible majority support for marriage equality. I thank the many colleagues who spoke so eloquently about the result. What a great celebration we had all weekend at the RDS and in Dublin Castle as well as in other venues in Dublin and all around Ireland. This result was echoed across the country in every constituency except one.

Senator O'Brien welcomed the result of the referendum and pointed out that it was an historic day.He also referred to the small break-up in Fianna Fáil that perhaps may have tarnished things somewhat for that party. It is obviously a matter for Fianna Fáil. I personally commend Senator Averil Power for all the great work she has done in the Seanad, as Senator Darragh O'Brien did too. She has made a very important contribution on many issues in the Seanad over many years and I am sure she will continue to do so as an Independent.