Irish Equality Minister: Country has said ‘F**K YEAH’ to equality
Ireland’s Equality Minister Aodhan O’Riordain has declared victory for same-sex marriage – declaring the result a F**K YEAH” for equality
Early tallies are indicating that Ireland has voted in favour of same-sex marriage.
Most parts of Ireland have released their figures from the first few ballot boxes counted – and most are overwhelmingly a Yes vote.
Mr O’Riordain, Ireland’s Equality Minister, told Reuters: “I think it’s won. I’ve seen bellwether boxes open, middle-of-the road areas who wouldn’t necessarily be liberal and they are resoundingly voting yes.”
He tweeted earlier this morning:
Polling has consistently shown that at least 60 percent of people planned to vote in favour of equality, but campaigners warn that projections could be unreliable, as was seen in the recent UK Parliamentary elections.
The Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny last week said he thinks same-sex marriage will pass – but that it may be closer than previously anticipated.
The result is expected to be announced this afternoon in Dublin Castle. There were no exit polls.
The timing has caused jokes about a potential clash with the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday, with drag artist Panti Bliss dubbing it the “gayest day ever”.
