Big win for yes side predicted in meath constituencies

Tally figures fom both Meath constituencies are predicting a big win for the 'Yes' side in the Marriage Equality Referendum. 

In Meath East, final tally figures suggest a win for the 'Yes' side in the same sex marriage vote by a majority of 63.37 per cent.

Most of the main towns returned voting tallies of between 60-70 per cent, while in Kells, the yes side prevailed by 54.46 per cent.

Boxes which showed a no majority were in rural areas like Castletown, Edoxtown, Gibbstown and Drumconrath.

It also looks like a resounding 'Yes' in Meath West as tallies continued at the Trim GAA Club this morning, with approximately 60 per cent of voters here saying 'Yes'.

Voting took place in 117 polling stations in Meath West yesterday.

The vote on same sex marriage became 'a lot more than just about being able to marry and more about it being OK to be gay,' said Fine Gael's Junior Minister at the Department of Education and Enterprise, Damien English.

Speaking 'with delight,' from the count centre in Meath West, the Fine Gael TD said: 'This result will make it easier for gay people to come out at an earlier age.'

As tallies show a 60 per cent majority in favour of same sex marriage in the constituency, he added: 'The expected result seems to reflect what we saw on the doorsteps during canvassing.

'I met a lot of people who said they'd vote 'yes' and a lot in favour of 'no' but there was no bitterness - everyone had genuine reasons on both sides.'