At the Yes Equality information evening on Thursday were, from left, Sandra Irwin-Gowran, Deputy Robert Troy, Shane Barkey, Ruth Illingworth and Deborah Stenson.

Every vote counts says westmeath yes campaign

The outcome of the Marriage Equality Referendum will be a lot closer than polls suggest, according to members of the Westmeath branch of the Yes Equality campaign.

A large crowd, including deputies Robert Troy and Willie Penrose, attended a Yes Equality information evening in the Greville Arms last Thursday evening.

While a number of recent polls point to comfortable victory for the Yes camp, the message to local activists was that nothing could be taken for granted.

Former cathaoirleach of Mullingar Town Council, Ruth Illingworth – one of Ireland’s first openly gay local politicians – warned against complacency, stressing that “every vote will count” on May 22. 

“We can win this. This is a conservative town and a conservative constituency. So we are going to have to work hard for every vote,” she said.
Ms Illingworth also urged people not to view the referendum as an opportunity to vent their opposition to the government.

The Yes Equality Bus stopped off in Mullingar yesterday, Monday, afternoon as part of its nationwide tour in the run up to the referendum. 

Deborah Stenson from Mullingar says that she is campaigning for a Yes vote as she believes it is a " a fundamental step towards a more respectful, tolerant and inclusive Ireland".

"I think many people wonder why I'm campaigning as I'm straight and the result doesn't directly affect me. But it affects a lot of my friends, and it could affect my future children. I want to be part of ensuring that my children, whether they end up gay or straight, grow up in a fair and equal society."