Pat Barrett is a 30 year old barrister from Cork city who, as a Catholic, can appreciate the sacramental and theological aspect of the equal marriage debate. But Pat sees that we are not being asked to vote on a question of religion, but on whether two people who love each other can avail of civil marriage offered by the state.

‘Whatever the outcome of the vote, the churches and religious institutions will still be free to recognise it or not to recognise it, as they see fit.’