Eamon Gilmore has announced his intention to hold a referendum on gay marriage before the end of the current government. One major issue that the Tanaiste wants to negotiate in advance of any vote is adoption rights for gay couples; with reports that he feels any legislation change on adoption should not be a part of a referendum on gay marriage as it would only serve to cloud the two separate issues.

Fine Gael TD for Cork South Central Jerry Buttimer spoke with Shona Murray on today’s show and discussed his personal views on the issue and how he envisages it playing out in the Dail.

Buttimer is Fine Gael’s only openly gay TD and heads up the party’s LGBT Group, which pushes for marriage equality and same sex adoption rights.

Following Deputy Buttimer’s interview, Shona spoke with Newstalk Political Editor Shane Coleman for an analysis of the situation and potential for a referendum. 

Listen to our full coverage of this issue on today’s show with the player below or download as a podcast via iTunes…