Costello calls for super-push for Yes vote on Friday 22nd May
17 May 2015
by Cllr Joe Costello
Speaking at the Yes Bus Campaign meeting in Smithfield today, Joe Costello TD urged a final super push for the last four days to get the 34th amendment to the Constitution on marriage equality over the line on Friday 22 May.
While the campaign for same sex marriage started with great enthusiasm one month ago, recent polls indicate a slowing down of the momentum in the last week. This is a crucial time when the undecided voters make up their minds. A doubt in a voter’s mind may well be a No vote in the ballot box in a constitutional referendum.
The Yes campaign having made the running for so long must not now be pipped at the post. It would be a cruel blow for the entire LGBT community, for all gay and lesbian men and women who believe that some day they could marry the partner whom they loved and that the Irish people through the Irish constitution would put their stamp of approval on that union.
This referendum is about gay marriage and it is also about the type of society we want in Ireland. Is it going to be an open inclusive society welcoming to all our citizens or is it going to be an exclusive society which says “thus far but no further” for some of our citizens.
As we approach the centenary of the publication of that wonderful document the 1916 Proclamation on which our democracy is founded let us remember its core message”
“The Republic guarantees religious and civil liberty, equal rights and equal opportunities to all its citizens and declares its resolve to pursue the happiness and prosperity of the whole nation and of all its parts”.
We must redouble our efforts for the remaining days of the campaign. We must knock on every door, speak to every voter and maintain the enthusiasm and the momentum to the very end.