Yes bus parties in Ballymun

THERE was plenty of familiar faces when the Yes Equality Tour Bus dropped into Ballymun Child & Family Resource Centre last week for an afternoon of colourful, fun activities.

Former local TD, Pat Carey, who has recently spoken about his experiences as an older gay man, and current Dublin North West TD, John Lyons (Lab) joined in the craic while popular Senator David Norris keep the crowds entertained with his usual mix of wit and wisdom.

Other politicians present included Roisin Shorthall TD (Ind), Cllr Paul McAulliffe (FF) and Cllr Noeleen Reilly (SF).

“Today was a really positive event in Ballymun and I want to thank the Ballymun Family Resource centre for organising it,

? said Cllr Reilly.

“Marriage equality goes beyond any party lines and this is an issue we are all happy to come together on.

?

The Ballymun Child & Family Resource Centre is also supporting a yes vote next week.

“We work from community development principles and this includes equality for all people,

? said manager Valerie O’Carroll.

“We believe a yes vote will lead to Ireland becoming an even more caring, inclusive and tolerant society.

?

The arrival of the Yes Equality bus coincided with the launch of a new campaign video featuring Deputy Lyons, who was one of Ireland’s first openly gay TDs.

The YouTube video features the Dublin North West representative with his mother Josie and brother Declan, who tell how they felt when they learned the TD was gay.

In the three minute clip Josie explains to her politician son how she feared he was going to tell her he’d got a girl pregnant when he said he’d something to tell her.

“I didn’t know what to say, I was just in shock,

? she admits to him.

“It took me a long time for me to accept you were like that.

?

Josie goes on to tell how she felt when Deputy Lyons warned her a newspaper was going to publish a piece saying he was gay.

“I was saying I was going to have to walk down to Tesco and everybody’s going to be looking at me. I met this couple I knew very well and I didn’t realise her daughter was a lesbian and her son was gay. They said walk with your head up. And when I went into Tesco people came over congratulating me.

“I walked out of Tesco with my head held so high I think I hurt my neck!

?