(MENAFN- AFP) A leading campaigner against gay marriage conceded defeat in Ireland's historic referendum on the issue Saturday as the count took place.
David Quinn, a leading "No" campaigner and director of the Iona Institute, told national broadcaster RTE it was "obviously a very impressive victory for the 'Yes' side".
He added that early tallies indicated that those in favour of gay marriage had secured a victory "roughly in the region of two to one".
"Well done and congratulations to the 'Yes' side," Quinn said.
"Obviously there's a certain amount of disappointment but also I'm quite philosophical about the outcome."
No official results of the referendum have yet been announced and the nationwide result is expected later Saturday.
Legalising gay marriage would be a seismic change in traditionally Catholic Ireland, where homosexuality was illegal until 1993 and abortion remains prohibited except where the mother's life is in danger.
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