Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I spoke at length on Second Stage and was delighted to do so in support of this Bill. This truly is an historic day.It is a special day, a day that will be marked in future as one of real equality by affirming the clear voice of the people and the decision they made in May earlier this year. I do not want any further words of mine to delay the passage of the Bill, save to say that on behalf of myself, my party and my party leader, Deputy Micheál Martin, I have been delighted to have played some small role in this. However, really it is about the community groups and all the advocates who are in the Gallery today as well as the many others who cannot be here but who played a major role in what was probably the first referendum about civil society, one driven by the people as opposed to politicians and political parties.

As I mentioned on Second Stage, in particular I wish to congratulate my friend and colleague, Senator David Norris, who for many years was a lone light in the wilderness on this issue. He has done a magnificent job. It is truly a pleasure and an honour for me to be in the Seanad today to share this day with Senator Norris and many others, like Senator Zappone, who has done so much to bring about this day and bring the Marriage Bill into law. I imagine it will go to Uachtarán na hÉireann, President Higgins, shortly. Then people will be able to move on with their lives. Like any other couple, should they choose to enter into marriage with each other, two people who love each other and who want to spend the rest of their lives with each other can do so. That can only be a good thing.