Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
FIANNA FÁIL COUNCILLOR Mary Hanafin will not be getting involved in the debate on same-sex marriage, declining to say whether she supports or opposes the passage of the referendum in May.
The former cabinet minister voted against a motion before Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council calling for a positive outcome to the referendum on same-sex marriage.
Hanafin was the only councillor to vote against the motion with her party colleague and rival Kate Feeney abstaining on the vote. Hanafin insisted that her vote was not related to the merits of the issue.
Speaking to TheJournal.ie today, she explained that her view was that the council should “not be taking a stance” on the issue and argued that such a vote was not appropriate given the wording of the referendum is not yet known.
“I made that clear at the meeting, I voted against all the motions on referenda,” she said today, adding that votes were also held on the fluoridisation of water and the privatisation of Irish Water.
Asked repeatedly whether she was in favour of same-sex marriage, Hanafin said that she would not be getting involved in the debate or the referendum campaign ahead of May’s vote.
“I’m not getting involved in that realm at all. I have nothing to offer it, I have no insight into it, so I’m not getting involved,” she said.
When it was put to her that this could be interpreted in some quarters as her opposing the passage of the referendum she said that “people can interpret all they like”.
“I’m not participating in it. I didn’t participate in the last one on children’s rights. I won’t be getting involved in it at all,” she added.
Fianna Fáil’s official position is to support the passage of the same-sex marriage referendum having debated and passed a motion at its Ard Fheis in 2012.
Originally published: 11.32
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Beautiful story to wake up to of a smashing Sunday morning. Thank you Journal.
For anyone reading this story who who has or knows an amputee with a passion for football please get in touch with the irish amputee football federation via our website or find us on Facebook…. We have have a development day coming up Sat 1st July in the phoenix park just behind the zoo oon the GAA pitch … fun packed afternoon from 1pm – 4 pm so please come along …
@Simon Baker: Fair play Simon,great credit goes to you and the other volunteers who give their time up for such an awesome cause
Such brave children good luck to you all
Best of Luck yo all taking part.
I welled up reading that. There’s nothing better than swing kids happy :)
@Mo Nishi: #seeing :)
Good luck to them. Real heroes
COYBIG best of luck lads. Great story.
Role models. Well done
Well done lads and all involved take me back to the 60s there was a guy played with Dundalk called Jimmy Hasty had only one arm fantastic to watch brilliant!!
Roles modes. Well done
have your say