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THERE IS INCREASING support for the introduction of same-sex marriage in Ireland ahead of next year’s referendum, according to a new poll.

The Ipsos MRBI poll for the Irish Times has found that 71% say they will vote Yes in the vote which is due to take place in April or May, while 17% will vote No. Nine per cent have no opinion and three per cent refused to respond.

In terms of the political parties, the strongest support for a Yes vote is among Labour voters with 80% backing a Yes vote. Support for a Yes vote is also strong among Sinn Féin, independent and small party voters.

Fine Gael voters are less enthusiastic, while Fianna Fáil voters are least supportive of the move with 60% backing a Yes and 26%  saying No.

All of the main political parties have indicated that they will back next year’s referendum.

Overall, support for a Yes vote rises to 81% when undecided voters are excluded with 19% saying No. The same poll last October showed that 76% were Yes with 24% backing a No vote.

Read: “God’s Plan for Marriage” is being distributed to 1,300 parishes ahead of referendum

Read: Same-sex marriage now legal in more than half the US states