An Irishman based in London has started a campaign to encourage emigrants to return and vote yes in the marriage equality referendum this May.

'Get the boat 2 vote' is an answer to Ireland's lack of overseas voting, and asks ex-pats to "play [their] part in what we hope will be a massive step forward for equality in Ireland."

The Daily Edge spoke to Joey Kavanagh about his reasons for starting the campaign:

"Since moving here, I’ve become aware of campaigns like We’re Coming Back, who campaign for voting rights for Irish abroad. 

"Whatever about the lack of a postal vote, it strikes me as crazy that we lose the right to vote at home after just a year away."

The 'Get the boat 2 vote' website says there is an "expedition from London" in the works and Kavanagh claims he has received emails from many interested émigrés.