An Taoiseach Enda Kenny joined Ireland’s tech leaders in supporting marriage equality at an event organised by GLEN.

“May 22 is a rare opportunity to vote for something as unquantifiable and transformative as love […] I hope the Irish people open their hearts and vote Yes,” said Kenny.

He spoke alongside Twitter Ireland Managing Director, Stephen McIntyre at the event – which was held at Dublin’s Digital Exchange.

An Taoiseach added, “As a government, we have worked hard to restore Ireland’s international reputation as a great place to do business. Ireland’s welcoming reputation should extend to being an open, tolerant and compassionate home for our gay and lesbian workers. Civil marriage equality will further promote Ireland as a leading place to work and do business.”

Stephen McIntyre added that Twitter, one of the world’s leading social media networks, supports the Yes campaign in the marriage equality referendum. He explained, “Twitter is supporting a Yes vote because of our company’s commitment to inclusion and the strong business case for marriage equality. We encourage other companies to do likewise.”

Ann O’Dea, CEO Irish technology news site Silicon Republic was also in attendance. She commented, “Innovation is critical to the success of the Tech industry, an industry which is so vital to the Irish economy. The Tech Industry understands the strong link between innovation and diversity and has long supported marriage equality for lesbian and gay couples.”

LGBT groups have welcomed the support from An Taoiseach. Kieran Rose, Co-chairperson of GLEN said, “We welcome the unequivocal support of An Taoiseach and leading voices of Irish business from Twitter to Ibec and the Irish Congress for Trade Unions for marriage equality as being good for employees, good for business and good for Ireland”.

Grainne Healy, of the YES EQUALITY campaign added, “We very much welcome the strong link he has highlighted between greater equality and greater prosperity in Ireland. Continued success in business depends on being able to attract, nurture and retain the very best people.

“This can only be achieved in a working environment and a country where everyone is valued equally. Enabling loving, committed couples to be civilly married, regardless of their sexual orientation will contribute to a stronger economy and a better Ireland.”