Video – Sinn Féin launches campaign for 'Yes' vote in Marriage Equality referendum

SINN FÉIN officially launched its campaign for a 'Yes' vote in the Marriage Equality referendum in Dublin on Tuesday with the party saying it will campaign vigorously on the ground in every single constituency across the state.

Party President Gerry Adams TD told reporters in Buswells Hotel:

"Many of us have a member of our family who is gay. We all know someone who is gay and they want what we want – the right to live their lives as full and equal citizens."

The Louth TD appealed for people to talk to their friends, family, work colleagues and neighbours and ask them to vote 'Yes' and to use social media to get their message across.

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Justice and Equality, Pádraig Mac Lochlainn TD, who is directing the party's referendum campaign, said it is very simply an equality issue:

"It is about ensuring that our gay and lesbian citizens have the same right to marry the person they love as everyone else. For Sinn Féin, as a republican party, equality is at the core of what we represent. We are committed to building a real republic where social and economic equality are among the main measurements of our nation's success," he said.

The Donegal TD also warned about complacency and called on people to make sure they come out and vote on 22 May.

Mayor of South Dublin, Fintan Warfield said that while young people like him are "in no extreme hurry to walk down the aisle" a 'Yes' vote would send a strong and reassuring message to young people who are coming to terms with their sexuality that it's "okay to be gay".

"This gives Irish people a genuine say in shaping the society we want to live in and that we want our young people to grow up in. An overwhelming show of support for marriage equality would ensure that every young person who has to come out can do so knowing that legislative equality is there," he said.

Mary Lou McDonald TD said the referendum is about a recognition of equality and respect for people's identity:

"It is an affirmation that we want people to be free, equal and happy – and have the right to pursue happiness," she said.

The Dublin Central TD added that some people have to be convinced, others re-assured and those who hold views which are clearly based on bigotry need to be strongly challenged:

"It's the right thing, and the republican thing, to vote 'Yes'".

Sinn Féin says it will be delivering 500,000 leaflets to households across the state as well as hosting a Marriage Equality event in each constituency. The party outlined a number of "nationwide canvasses" which will take place on the four weekends leading up to the vote.

The party is also in support of the other referendum taking place on 22 May which aims to lower the minimum age for Presidential candidates to 21.