How Labour figures reacted to the Irish referendum result

We now know the result of yesterday’s referendum in Ireland about equal marriage – and it is a landslide in favour of equal rights for the LGBT community:

Ireland says #YesToEquality by a huge 62.1%. Yes: 1,201,607 – No: 734,300. Only one area says no. #landslide pic.twitter.com/wvWE30rI1F

— LGBT Labour (@LGBTLabour) May 23, 2015

As Labour peer and veteran LGBT activist Michael Cashman points out, it is days like today where you can reflect on how far we’ve come:

Think back for a moment.When the simplicity of being open about whom you loved took away your Liberty.And it’s still happening in the world.

— Michael Cashman (@mcashmanCBE) May 23, 2015

The Labour leadership candidates all celebrated the result. Andy Burnham said it was an “historic vote”:

God bless the good people of Ireland. Historic vote for equality across these isles. #YesEquality

— Andy Burnham (@andyburnhammp) May 23, 2015

Earlier in the day, Yvette Cooper said she was “delighted” by the early signs:

Delighted by early results from Ireland showing very strong #YesVote for #equalmarriage. @YesEquality2015

— Yvette Cooper (@YvetteCooperMP) May 23, 2015

Mary Creagh celebrated her Irish heritage:

Particularly proud of my Irish heritage today as love triumphs over fear. #EqualityForAll

— Mary Creagh (@MaryCreaghMP) May 23, 2015

And Liz Kendall sent her congratulations across the Irish Sea:

Absolutely delighted Ireland has voted yes to #equalmarriage – congratulations & thank you to all who campaigned for #EqualityForAll

— Liz Kendall (@leicesterliz) May 23, 2015

Scottish Labour leader Jim Murphy said he hoped Northern Ireland would now follow suit:

Equal Marriage – surely Northern Ireland next.

— Jim Murphy (@JimForScotland) May 23, 2015

Several of the deputy leadership candidates also joined in the celebrations. Angela Eagle, who is in a civil partnership, expressed her feelings succinctly:

YEESSS #Ireland #IrelandVotedYes

— Angela Eagle (@angelaeagle) May 23, 2015

Caroline Flint commented early on that things were “looking good”:

Looking good – as Ireland set to be first country to vote for equal marriage https://t.co/lfT9Untvwc

— Caroline Flint (@CarolineFlintMP) May 23, 2015

And Tom Watson reflected on “a moment of glad grace”:

A moment of glad grace. Well done Ireland. http://t.co/lOI3kUbYI6 #EqualityForAll

— tom_watson (@tom_watson) May 23, 2015

But we’ll leave the last word to Ireland’s Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister) and Irish Labour TD, Joan Burton:

Tanaiste: The world’s beating heart is in Ireland tonight. We’ve said Yes to equality, and Yes to love. pic.twitter.com/8501hYm6w0

— The Labour Party (@labour) May 23, 2015

You’re not wrong, Joan. Sláinte.