Susan O'Keeffe (Labour) | Oireachtas source

How do I follow that? The Minister is welcome, as is her commitment and perseverance with this Bill. It is, if I might say, a marriage of the best of Fine Gael and the best of the Labour Party in terms of our having been able to come together and hold the referendum in the lifetime of this Government and to introduce this Bill in such a speedy manner. It shows that while we can disagree, we can, on the issues most important, agree with one another and work together.

"Marriage may be contracted in accordance with law by two persons without distinction as to their sex." These are the 18 words that changed our world, our nation and ourselves. On 22 May, we voted to change Ireland forever. In a country where the Tricolour is cherished as a constant signal of the desire for peace and reconciliation we have now chosen to add the rainbow flag and to fly it with pride for tolerance and equality for all of us. Senators will forgive me for not having a flag to fly today but I did my best.