Enda Kenny has confirmed he will take part in live debates ahead of the referendum on same-sex marriage.

The Taoiseach decided not to take part in similar debates on the abolition of the Seanad but has said he will take part in one as part of the Yes campaign ahead of the May referendum. Mr Kenny’s refusal to take part in a live debate on the Seanad vote was subject to much criticism.

The Taoiseach says he is personally in favour of a Yes vote and says the image of him as a conservative is wrong.

“Perception is not often reality,” Mr Kenny said.

“I’ve given a very clear answer to that question and I’ve made it very clear to Deputy Buttimer, who is the chair of the group here in Fine gael, that I will be very happy to campaign for a Yes vote when the referendum is held in the month of May," he added.

Mr Kenny he says he is now personally committed to campaigning for same-sex marriage, and taking part in debates, and feels there is a need for gay people to be able to openly discuss the issues in “a respectful manner”.

“I’ve made the point to many gay people of how important it is to be able to explain their feeling and emotions and their view to other people and obviously I think in the context of the referendum it’s something that needs to be conducted in a respectful manner. I expect it will be,” he said.

Mr Kenny has said other referendums are not likely to be held this year, because of public fatigue at the ballot box. He has also said he is wary of holding too many simultaneous votes. The same-sex marriage referendum will take place on the same day as a vote on lowering the age to be President, and also the Kilkenny-Carlow by-election.

Originally published: 8.47