Yes side sees lead narrow in latest Marriage Equality Referendum poll
A new poll has found that the Yes side's lead in the Marriage Equality Referendum is narrowing.
However, the campaign still retains a commanding lead according to the Irish Times/IPSOS poll taken last Wednesday and Thursday.
Of the 1,200 voters surveyed, 58% said they would vote in favour of allowing same-sex couples to marry, 25% said they were voting against, while 17% were either undecided, or said they would not vote.
The referendum on lowering the age for presidential candidates looks set for a heavy defeat - with 64% of people saying they intend to vote No.
Grainne Healy, co-director of the Yes Equality Campaign said that they were expecting a closer race than early polls were predicting.
"The results of the Ipsos/MRBI opinion poll published in this morning’s Irish Times reflects the strong support for Marriage Equality which our canvassing groups have found at doorsteps throughout the country," she said.
"Our active nationwide campaign has been predicated upon some narrowing of the margin in favour of YES as polling day approached. We note that today’s poll confirms that this has occurred.
"The result of this referendum will be determined by turnout on Friday next. We remain focused on the final stage of our campaign and on executing our plans for what will be the most extensive Get out the Vote operation ever put in place for an Irish referendum.
"We are taking nothing for granted. Yes Equality volunteers in our 58 groups nationwide will have thousands more conversations with voters in the week ahead.
"This referendum will only be passed if those in favour of marriage equality cast their ballot. We will work tirelessly in pursuit of every vote and in mobilising those who support marriage equality to the polls."
Gerry Fahey, a member of First Families First, who are campaigning for a No vote, said that he remains optimistic.
“It’s still highly likely that the No’s could win,” he said.
“Because when people are responding to opinion polls like that, they tend to engage in impression management, and you’re probably seeing an understatement of the true No vote and an overstatement of the Yes vote.
“So I’d be very optimistic at this stage.”
