Many thanks once again to everyone who participated in our live blog over the past few days, whether it was by contributing your thoughts and comments, or simply managing to keep up with all the twists and turns!

So, the results are in, and now let’s take a look at who’s been elected to represent us in Europe, and what they had to say when asked by MarriagEquality about equal rights for same-sex couples:

In the three-seater constituency of Dublin:

Gay Mitchell of Fine Gael appeared to give a one-line reply and then referred the matter to the party HQ:

I support the Fine Gael policy document which you can get from them directly.

The 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.

(Talk to Gay)

Labour’s Proinsias de Rossa, who has a strong record defending LGBT rights in Europe, gave a more detailed response:

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.

(Talk to Pronsias)

Joe Higgins of the Socialist Party was short and to the point:

I have signed the pledge for ILGA and you may add me to any list [of supporters] you have in that regard. Many thanks

In the rest of Leinster, in the East constituency, two of the three now elected candidates gave their replies.

(Talk to Joe)

Mairead McGuinness stuck to the Fine Gael party line, like her colleague Gay Mitchell, although she was more forthcoming in her response:

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.

(Talk to Mairead)

Nessa Childers of the Labour party was fairly adamant:

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 also signed the ILGA pledge in the same terms, adding, “People should not fear that they will be unable to visit their partner in hospital because of legal red tape. We must ensure that our fellow citizens have full legal protection and help bring an end to discrimination based on sexual orientation…”

(Talk to Nessa)

MarriagEquality did not have a response from the third elected candidate, Fianna Fáil’s Liam Aylward.

(Talk to Liam)

Moving to the South, and here’s what the representatives for that constituency have to say. Erm, or not..

Well, actually there is no response from poll-topper Brian Crowley, of Fianna Fáil.

(Talk to Brian)

Fine Gael’s Seán Kelly stuck to the party line from HQ (see above).

(Talk to Seán)

And finally, Labour’s Alan Kelly has signed the ILGA pledge.

(Talk to Alan)

Perhaps we’ll have more conversation from the North West (unless, of course your name is Declan Ganley, fnarr-fnarr..):

Comments from independent Marian Harkin are nary to be seen.

(Talk to Marian)

Fianna Fáil’s Pat the Cope Gallagher is also silent, although it’s possible this is due to his very late entry into the election race.

(Talk to Pat)

And meanwhile Jim Higgins – well, can you guess? …That’s right, please refer to our fearless leaders and the policy in Fine Gael headquarters.

(Talk to Jim)

Oh dear..

Well, what you can do if you want to know their views on equality for same-sex couples – or indeed any other matter – is to contact them directly!

Put your concerns to them – even ask them about their responses quoted above. They’re there to represent you, so don’t let them forget it!

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