According to a new Millward/Sunday Independent poll, a majority of the Irish public are in favour of a Yes vote – however one fifth are still undecided.

The poll, which surveyed 1,019 people, found that a 62% of voters would vote Yes in the upcoming marriage referendum. Only 16% were against the state recognising same-sex marriage, while 22% were undecided.

“It is clear from this poll and other recent polls that Irish people firmly accept that lesbian and gay couples should be afforded the same respect, legal status and protections in the Constitution that are available to the rest of society,” said Kieran Rose GLEN Chair.

The referendum on the right to marry is to be held in May following on from the recommendation of the Constitutional Convention.

“The figures are very positive but a lot of work will be required to ensure the amendment passes. This is a vote about members of our families, our friends, neighbours and work colleagues and their equal citizenship and it is important that we do all we can to engage and persuade people about why marriage matters to all of Irish society including lesbian and gay people,” added Rose.

Grainne Healy, chair Marriage Equality, added that having conversations with family and friends who are undecided is the only way to win the Marriage Equality Referendum.

“Marriage equality is a grassroots movement and we are confident the referendum will be won as every person who supports lesbian and gay peoples’ right to marry gets behinds the Yes campaign,” she said.

“We are encouraging supporters to have conversations with family, friends and colleagues. People who may have concerns or unanswered questions are being engaged with and are getting reassurances. This is how the soft support turns into yes votes.”