Campaigners for gay marriage in Ireland say they are encouraged by the decision to legislate in England and Wales.

British MPs in the House of Commons last night voted in favour of the legislation by a margin of 400 to 175.

After Prime Minister David Cameron made a last ditch appeal for support, the House of Commons backed the proposals.

Mr. Cameron has hailed it as a "step forward for our country".

But it could be a step back for the Tory party after the issue split its MPs with 127 in favour and 136 against.

Support from Labour and the Lib Dems meant the proposals where backed by a majority of 225.

The legislation will not apply in Northern Ireland, while Scotland is drawing up its own legislation to deal with gay marriage.

Hopes for Constitutional Convention

In April the Constitutional Convention will discuss whether Ireland should take a similar stance.

As it stands same-sex marriages are banned in Ireland, and the Civil Partnership Act only provides for limited tax and inheritance rights.

Director of Marriage Equality is Moninne Griffith.

She says that could all change if a vote is put to the people and she is confident the Constitutional Convention will recommend the issue be put to a referendum.