Biden hails Yes vote, and Ireland
US Vice President Joe Biden has hailed Ireland's Yes vote for marriage equality, calling it "a courageous stand for love and family".
Writing in irishcentral.com, Mr Biden said: "In 22 years, Ireland has gone from a nation where simply being LGBT was against the law. Now, it is a nation where the people resoundingly stand for equal rights.
"As advocates in Ireland, the United States and around the world have proven time and again, where there’s passion and commitment, there is opportunity.
"It’s about love. It’s about equality. It’s about dignity. It’s about our most cherished values. That’s what this is about – it’s all it’s ever been about."
He thanked Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Tánaiste Joan Burton for their "forceful leadership and eloquent advocacy on this critical issue", and finished by quoting WB Yeats: "Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot, but make it hot by striking."
