Young Irish actress Saoirse Ronan is ready to vote for the first time in her life – and she is delighted that it will be in this week’s marriage equality referendum.
The 21-year-old was too young to vote in the 2011 general election but she is pleased that her first vote could have a direct impact on the way many people are allowed to live their lives.
Ronan is in favour of same-sex marriage and appeared in an Irish Independent video which was filmed at the launch of the Yes Equality ‘Your Yes Matters get out the vote’ campaign.
She said: “I’m really excited about it and I’m really honoured that my first vote is going to be a yes vote for marriage equality.
She added that the vote will have a bearing on Ireland’s international reputation.
“If it’s a yes vote it means we’re standing with the best of them. We’re forward-thinking, we’re fair, we’re just and we’re equal. If we don’t, then we’re none of those things and I would be extremely disappointed.”
The video also featured Eamon Farrell, who is the brother of Hollywood star Colin. Eamon married his partner Steven Mannion in Cannes six years ago.
Eamon said: “I’m 15 years older than Steven and someday in our lives, Steven will be on his own. I really want him to have the constitutional protection that a marriage will afford him.”
He went on to praise his brother for the support he has shown both to him personally and for the ‘Yes’ vote in general.
He said: “He’s done so much over the last few years. He’s done so much over my life in supporting me. He’s an amazing brother.”
Saoirse Ronan has appeared in several hit movies including Atonement, Hanna, How I Live Now and The Grand Budapest Hotel.
Take a look at the video below