Euro Election Candidate Replies

We wrote to candidates in the European election and as well as asking them for their opinion in relation to equal marriage rights, we asked them to sign the ILGA pledge, which you can read here. The pledge is to promote equality and to combat discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression in their role as member of the European Parliament

Ireland Dublin:

Mary Lou McDonald: Sinn Fein candidate for Dublin:."The objective of delivering full equality of all people in Ireland must become a higher priority of government, regardless of what party is at the helm. The EU must also lead by example on protection from discrimination and the promotion of equality. It is Sinn Féin's longstanding policy to support recognition and legislation for same-sex spousal rights including but not limited to the legal recognition of civil partnerships, the right to marry, and the equal right to adopt." She signed the ILGA pledge

Proinsias De Rossa: Labour Party candidate for Dublin: "My goal and the Labour Party's goal is full equality for gay citizens. The path we have chosen is that of legislation, which gives gay couples all the rights and responsibilities of marriage. We introduced our own Civil Unions Bill to the Dáil twice since 2007, and twice it has been voted down by the Government. It is likely that a referendum will be needed to provide for full marriage equality between same sex couples. The Labour Party will support such a referendum. An equal right to marry is not a gay issue - it's a citizenship issue. Equal treatment for gay couples is just one milestone in our endeavour to improve the quality of our citizenship, and our society, for all, regardless of background, creed, gender or sexual orientation." He signed the ILGA pledge.

Joe Higgins: The Socialist Party candidate for Dublin: "I have signed the pledge for ILGA and you may add me to any list [of supporters] you have in that regard. Many thanks"

Deirdre De Burca - Green party candidate for Dublin: "The Green Party are in favour of same sex marriage, adoption rights for same sex couples and Inheritance and Pension rights for same sex couples. ..Both I and my party support full civil marriage for gay and lesbian couples and will continue to work to make this a reality but that view is not currently held by the majority of parties in the Dáil, nor the larger Government party."

Eibhlin Byrne, Lord Mayor and Fianna Fail candidate for Dublin: "I believe that same-sex couples should have the same legal rights to marriage as all other couples."

Gay Michell :Fine Gael candidate for Dublin: "I support the Fine Gael policy document which you can get from them directly" Reply from HQ on behalf of candidates: - "Fine Gael is absolutely committed to supporting the forthcoming Civil Partnership Bill and will be making substantial amendments to improve it, with particular emphasis on the position of children within a same sex partnership and will continue, in government, to support social equality in all forms. We would greatly appreciate contributions to assist us in formulating our amendments to the Civil Partnership Bill to help us with our advocacy of social equality."

Ireland East:

Nessa Childers: Labour Party candidate for East: "In 2009, it is nothing short of a disgrace that same-sex couples are still not afforded equal recognition and legal protection. This failure is a denial of thousands of citizens' right to equality under the law. Europe must act together to guarantee same sex couples the legal equality they deserve" . She signed the ILGA pledge.

Tomas Sharkey: Sinn Fein candidate for East: "I fully endorse the campaign (for equal marriage rights) because everyone should have equal right to happiness. I am married myself and believe that everyone should have the right to happiness and security with the person they love."

Kathleen Funchion - Sinn Fein candidate for East: "Sinn Féin have campaigned and continue to campaign for equivalence in equality and human rights protections, including for the definition of the family in the Constitution to be extended to include same-sex couples. We will continue to fight for the full and equal right to marriage and all of its ensuing rights and entitlements for same-sex couples, including the right to choose marriage or civil partnership."

Mairead McGuinness - Fine Gael candidate for East: "I support Fine Gael's view, as outlined in a policy document issued in 2004. The document formed the basis for a policy commitment to "create a Civil Partnership register to allow for two people of the same or opposite sex to formally register their partnership with the State". Fine Gael publicly welcomed the Government's announcement that it intended to introduce Civil Partnership legislation. I support my Party's view. Notwithstanding the complex legal issues involved I would hope that the matter can be dealt with satisfactorily and new laws enacted as soon as possible."

John Paul Phelan: Fine Gael candidate for East: Reply from HQ on behalf of candidates: - "Fine Gael is absolutely committed to supporting the forthcoming Civil Partnership Bill and will be making substantial amendments to improve it, with particular emphasis on the position of children within a same sex partnership and will continue, in government, to support social equality in all forms. We would greatly appreciate contributions to assist us in formulating our amendments to the Civil Partnership Bill to help us with our advocacy of social equality."

Ireland North West:

Susan O'Keefe: Labour Party candidate for North West " I pledge to work towards the day when no more pledges like this one [the ILGA pledge for LGBT rights] will be required. We are equal and that's always worth fighting for." She signed the ILGA pledge.

Fiachra O'Luain: Independent candidate for North West: "I'm for Gay rights...and for civil marriages of those who want to marry."

Jim Higgins: Fine Gael candidate for North West: Reply from HQ on behalf of candidates: - "Fine Gael is absolutely committed to supporting the forthcoming Civil Partnership Bill and will be making substantial amendments to improve it, with particular emphasis on the position of children within a same sex partnership and will continue, in government, to support social equality in all forms. We would greatly appreciate contributions to assist us in formulating our amendments to the Civil Partnership Bill to help us with our advocacy of social equality."

Joe O'Reilly: Fine Gael candidate for North West: Reply from HQ on behalf of candidates: - "Fine Gael is absolutely committed to supporting the forthcoming Civil Partnership Bill and will be making substantial amendments to improve it, with particular emphasis on the position of children within a same sex partnership and will continue, in government, to support social equality in all forms. We would greatly appreciate contributions to assist us in formulating our amendments to the Civil Partnership Bill to help us with our advocacy of social equality."

Ireland South:

Dan Boyle: Green Party candidate for South: "The Green Party in Ireland fully supports same sex marriage. In a coalition government we have secured a commitment on civil partnership legislation and this is to be published in a matter of weeks. " He signed the ILGA pledge.

Alan Kelly Labour Party candidate in South: He signed ILGA pledge

Colm Burke: Fine Gael candidate in South: Reply from HQ on behalf of candidates: - "Fine Gael is absolutely committed to supporting the forthcoming Civil Partnership Bill and will be making substantial amendments to improve it, with particular emphasis on the position of children within a same sex partnership and will continue, in government, to support social equality in all forms. We would greatly appreciate contributions to assist us in formulating our amendments to the Civil Partnership Bill to help us with our advocacy of social equality."

Sean Kelly: Fine Gael candidate for South: Reply from HQ on behalf of candidates: - "Fine Gael is absolutely committed to supporting the forthcoming Civil Partnership Bill and will be making substantial amendments to improve it, with particular emphasis on the position of children within a same sex partnership and will continue, in government, to support social equality in all forms. We would greatly appreciate contributions to assist us in formulating our amendments to the Civil Partnership Bill to help us with our advocacy of social equality."