Campaigners were out in Dublin on Thursday ahead of Ireland’s referendum on marriage equality.

Same-sex civil partnerships are already recognised, but the constitutional amendment would go further, allowing gay civil marriage.

The ‘Yes’ campaign wants equality for all Irish people, and has the backing of major political parties.

Sixty-year-old retired teacher Peter Lynch held a placard up to passing motorists reading: “Make History. Please go and vote Yes. You have until 10pm Fri. We need a huge Dublin Vote.”

“It’s a simple matter of equality. For the last 60 years I’ve been a second class citizen in Ireland and I want to feel equal,” said Lynch. “It won’t help me personally but I hope the next generation never have to go through what I’ve had to go through.”

“Because it is fair, and it’s more equality,” said local resident Aoife, adding, “it’s better for Ireland I think.”

Meanwhile ‘No’ campaigners argue that civil partnerships should be good enough for gay people.

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