Fianna Fáil TDs have expressed resistance to the concept of State recognition for gay couples but a number said they would support such recognition if it did not have the same legal standing as marriage.
The divergent views on the subject followed remarks by the Minister for Justice, Mr McDowell, who said at the weekend that "right across the Government I sense the view that there will have to be some sort of recognition for civil partnerships". But he said such recognition should not be on a par with marriage.
While a spokesman for Mr McDowell said the Minister was signalling that the matter would have to be addressed, the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, said yesterday that there was no proposal before Government. "If he brings it forward it will be discussed but it hasn't been discussed," Mr Ahern said.
With some sources claiming there was little appetite at Cabinet level to address the issue, some TDs in Fianna Fáil were quick to state that the issue should not be a priority for the Government. However, the two Fianna Fáil European election candidates in Dublin were among those who expressed support for the recognition of civil partnerships.
Mr Eoin Ryan TD said he supported the concept of recognition for inheritance and tax purposes and this stance was backed by the Equality Authority. He had reservations about the granting of marital status to gay couples.
The Dublin Lord Mayor, Mr Royston Brady, said he would be "on the same page" as Mr McDowell on the issue of civil partnerships. He said the discussion should be informed by a sense of equality.
Many of the other Fianna Fáil figures contacted by The Irish Times expressed resistance to the concept of civil partnerships.
The Dublin TD Mr Jim Glennon said he had not come across the matter as TD and he did not know "how far up the priority list it should be". Mr Glennon added: "I don't have a closed mind on the issue but I'd need to be persuaded of the requirement."
The Tipperary South TD Mr Noel Davern said it was open to any gay person to leave their property to their partner "if they have no other commitments" to children or a previous spouse in marriage. But Mr Davern said he had "grave reservations" with suggestions that the State should provide legal recognition similar to marriage to gay couples and said the matter was not a priority for the Government at this time.
The Carlow TD, Mr M.J. Nolan, said: "I don't see any urgency to introduce amending legislation in order to recognise same sex unions. I don't know of any individuals or organisations who are campaigning for such legislation. My own view is that I don't see this as a priority for the Government at this time. There are far more pressing issues."
Those supporting the concept of civil unions included the Dublin TD Mr Michael Mulcahy. He said: "I think the State should assist gay couples to be able to transfer and share property in the normal way."
The Cork TD Mr John Dennehy said he would not have a problem with enshrining inheritance and social welfare rights in legislation. "I would have a concern about calling it marriage, equating it with traditional marriage," he added.