FINE Gael TDs want a referendum on gay marriage
postponed to separate it completely from the timing of the abortion
legislation.Both Fine Gael and Labour Party ministers are kicking to touch the holding of a referendum in the wake of a constitutional think-tank backing same-sex marriage.
But despite the overwhelming support demonstrated at the Constitutional Convention, the Coalition is showing no appetite to rush the vote.
Fine Gael sources say there is a desire to separate the gay-marriage issue from abortion legislation.
"It will be interesting to see how Labour will push this. They will want something concrete set out before the local elections," a senior party source said.
"Our fellas will want the two issues separated to make sure there is no confusion and not being seen to be too radical, too quick."
The Coalition is expected to hold off on a gay-marriage referendum until later next year after the local and European elections.
The Government must, however, hold a full debate on the issue in the Oireachtas within four months of a report being drawn up.
Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore welcomed the decision of the convention, without committing to hold the referendum within any timeframe.
"The reason, of course, that we asked the Constitutional Convention to examine this issue was because we felt it was an important issue to be looked at. I believe myself that same-sex couples have the right to marry, I'm glad the Constitutional Convention has recommended that," he said.
His Labour Party colleague, Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte, pointed to the range of items the Government is already planning to put to the people.
Mr Rabbitte said he was not going to be "jettisoned into giving a deadline".
The minister even declined to commit to the referendum being put to the voters in the lifetime of this Government.
Justice Minister Alan Shatter referred to the updating of the law on parentage, guardianship and upbringing of children.
He is preparing a new Family Relationships and Children's Bill, which will be published soon.
Again, the minister did not get pinned down on setting timelines for the referendum.