The Fine Gael director of elections for the same-sex marriage referendum says his own views on the issue have 'fundamentally changed' in recent years.

Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney was last night named as the leader of the Fine Gael campaign ahead of the May vote.

And he says he used to have "reservations" about gay couples marrying.

He says his views have gone on a 'journey' since then - that he is confident rural TDs within the party will come out in support of a Yes vote.

Mr Coveney says that strong family units are good for Ireland - no matter the make-up.

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