Madam, - Noel Gorman (July 30th) suggests that the current Government has somehow duped the electorate by promising to introduce civil partnership (at least) for same-sex partners. However, that same commitment was made by the Fianna Fáil/PD Government in the Dáil on February 20th, and every party now in the Dáil entered the last election with a specific policy to introduce either civil partnership or civil marriage. Indeed, such action is already part of the current signed programme for government.
It is equally misleading to suggest that this measure lacks popular support. Several opinion polls and surveys last year showed a majority in favour, culminating in the Lansdowne survey which showed that 84 per cent would welcome civil partnership for same-sex couples, and 51 per cent would welcome civil marriage.
In his commitment to act on this matter "early in the course of this Government", the Taoiseach is implementing a long-needed reform, and should be thanked for doing so. - Yours, etc,
CHRISTOPHER ROBSON, Chelmsford Avenue, Dublin 6.