Fine Gael to focus on ‘middle Ireland’ in marriage poll

Fine Gael's campaign in the same-sex marriage referendum will target so-called middle Ireland voters outside Dublin who are seen as key to ensuring the proposal is passed in May.

Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald held a public meeting in Cork this week, the first in a series to gauge people's thoughts on the issue. Others will be held in Galway, Dublin and Portlaoise.

Either Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan, a deputy for Laois-Offaly, or Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney, who represents Cork South Central, are tipped to lead the campaign as director of elections. They are seen as the most likely to connect with the middle-ground voters outside the capital.

Rural constituencies

Taoiseach Enda Kenny is expected to announce the appointment before the

Fine Gael

national conference in

Castlebar

in two weeks or at the event itself.

“There is little evidence of resistance among the membership so far,” a party source said. “The involvement of ministers, especially in rural constituencies, will be very important to motivate the party.”

Sources from across the political spectrum acknowledge opinion poll support for a Yes vote – at around 80 per cent - is – very soft.

There is concern in Fine Gael of some ambivalence among TDs and senators, although it is hoped they will become more active once a campaign structure is in place.

“We need to convince people in regions like the midlands and midwest,” one Minister said, adding that the campaign would focus on families, friends and communities, rather than be “moralising or diktat-driven”.

Practical examples of gay friends and family members, as well as existing same-sex couples, will be used.

Equality

Sources in

Fianna Fáil

, which is supporting a Yes vote, acknowledge their task is also to convince voters outside Dublin.

Limerick

TD

Niall Collins

, the party’s equality spokesman, is director of elections.

“When you talk about middle Ireland beyond Naas, you’re talking about ourselves and Fine Gael,” said one source. “It’ll be all about equality, especially coming up to the 1916 anniversary.”

However, some in Fianna Fáil are privately claiming the referendum will be lost, based on their soundings in rural constituencies.

In contrast, Labour is expected to focus on Dublin and other urban areas where it is strongest. Its message will focus on the constitution and the need for equality. Minister for Communications Alex White is its director of elections.

Sinn Féin says it will mount a State-wide campaign, focusing on where it has TDs or councillors.

All acknowledge the Children and Family Relationships Bill, which deals with issues such as adoption for same-sex couples, has to be dealt with before the referendum.