In what turned out to be a tremendous debate in front of a clearly biased studio audience (which played very badly to a TV audience), the Yes and No side of the same sex marriage referendum battled it out on RTE’s The Late Late Show.
Those calling for a No Vote were Keith Mills and Petra Conroy while those on the Yes side were Colm O’Gorman and Una Mullally.
A cool, calm and collected Keith Mills gave a sterling summary of why he as a gay man, in a loving relationship, feels it’s completely unnecessary for gay marriage to be introduced.
Petra Conroy, a single mother, (who at one point was told by a dramatic Colm O’Gorman to go and get married) offered a traditional Catholic/Christian view on why marriage is a sacred institution between a man and a woman.
Una Mullally of the Irish Times, spoke about her desire to get married and a clearly overwrought Colm O’Gorman, of Amnesty International (who are now campaigning to impose gay marriage around the world) talked about his family and his children.
Many comments on social media talk about a clearly loaded audience, who consistently made obscene facial gestures behind various speakers.
The celebrity blogger and political pundit, Paddy Manning, made what many are calling a “passionate and show-stealing contribution for the No side”.
Commentators are saying that now that the debate is really underway, the the No side are winning on facts.
Going by social media commentary, tonight was a clear victory for the No side.