(Ireland) World media turns its spotlights on landmark ballot

[unhappycamper]

http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/referendum/world-media-turns-its-spotlights-on-landmark-ballot-31246270.html



World media turns its spotlights on landmark ballot
John Downing
23/05/2015

Not since we banned smoking in pubs, back in March 2004, or approved divorce by a tiny margin of just 9,000 votes, way back in November 1995, has the Irish nation excited such international media curiosity.

The eyes of the world's media are all upon Ireland as counting begins today on the same-sex marriage referendum.

Ireland may become the 20th world nation to legalise gay marriage - but it is the first country in the world to hold a popular vote on the issue. Add a strong global stereotypical view of Ireland as "a religious and strongly Catholic country" and you have a rattling good story worth the travelling expenses.

Radio France International did not spare the intrigue. "The vote comes 22 years after homosexuality was decriminalised, in a country where Catholic Church influence, even if declining, remains strong," their reporter, Sébastien Duval, said.

..

Results so far:

http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/referendum/ireland-says-yes-by-up-to-21-margin-31246520.html

Ireland says Yes by up to 2:1 margin
Independent.ie Newsdesk Twitter
23/05/2015

THE same-sex marriage referendum will be comfortably passed, based on early tallies from across the country.

The margin of victory is tipped to be heading towards a 2:1 majority.

The high turnout favoured Yes campaigners as the efforts to get the vote out worked effectively, particularly among young voters.

Few, if any locations, are showing a No vote winning the referendum.