Enda Kenny calls for Yes vote in same-sex marriage referendum

Enda Kenny said his party strongly supported a Yes vote

Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny has used his leader's address at the close of the Fine Gael national conference to seek a Yes vote in the Republic's same-sex marriage referendum in May.

Mr Kenny said a Yes vote would send out a powerful signal internationally that Ireland has evolved into a fair, compassionate and tolerant nation.

He said the Fine Gael party strongly supported a Yes vote.

The referendum is expected to be held on Friday, 22 May.

"To all same-sex couples in our country, this is about you," he told delegates.

"It's about your right to say two small words made up of three simple letters, I do, so for you in your lives together, may they become your letters of freedom."

Same-sex couples in the Republic of Ireland have been able to enter a civil partnership since January 2011, but not marriage.