Enda Kenny has revealed that he will take part in live debates ahead of the referendum on same-sex marriage this year, and will campaign “strongly” for a Yes vote.

Despite previously stating that he would not give his personal opinion on the same-sex marriage referendum, the Taoiseach has now said that he is personally in favour of a Yes vote and that he is not a conservative, saying, “Perception is not often reality,”

“I’ve given a very clear answer to that question and I’ve made it very clear to Deputy Buttimer, who is the chair of the group here in Fine gael, that I will be very happy to campaign for a Yes vote when the referendum is held in the month of May,” he stated at a pre-Christmas press briefing to journalists.

“I have obviously committed the party and myself to working in favour of the vote and I think it is time to do this so it’s a people’s choice.”

Kenny added that he is committed to campaigning for a Yes vote in May’s referendum. He plans to take part in debates in the run-up to the vote, despite his previous decision to not take part in similar debates on the abolition of the Seanad – a decision that faced heavy criticism.

Kenny also pointed out the need to allow gay people express their feelings in respectful debates.

“I’ve made the point to many gay people of how important it is to be able to explain their feeling and emotions and their view to other people and obviously I think in the context of the referendum it’s something that needs to be conducted in a respectful manner. I expect it will be,” he said.

The same-sex marriage referendum will take place on the same day as a vote on lowering the age to be President in May.