The Government has postponed a decision on whether to ahead with a same sex marriage referendum until 
next week to Taoiseach Enda Kenny to consult with Fine Gael backbenchers.
The Cabinet took the decision as it has emerged that many Fine Gael TDs are concerned about the political implications of holding such a referendum, the Irish Times reports.
It is reported that many feel that in the wake of the defeat of the Seanad referendum, a vote on same-sex marriage would be risky, and it is likely the issue will be discussed at a parliamentary party meeting before any cabinet decision is taken.
Backbench Fine Gael TDs are believed to be anxious to avoid a re-run of the divisions which racked the party over abortion legislation.
Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore, who is strongly pushing for the referendum, has in recent days proposed legislation to allow same sex couple adopt children.
That has sparked concern in Fine Gael and opposition to a commitment on a referendum is growing.
Fine Gael parliamentary party chairman Charlie Flanagan welcomed the decision of Taoiseach Enda Kenny to consult backbenchers about the issue of same-sex marriage.
Mr Flanagan said last night that he was very anxious that there should be open consultation with the parliamentary party.
“As leader of the Fine Gael group on the Constitutional Convention I voted in favour of changing the constitution to permit same-sex union, but notwithstanding that I am very anxious that there should be open consultation with the parliamentary party on the issue,” said Mr Flanagan.
A formal meeting of the Fine Gael parliamentary party is not scheduled until after next Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting but Mr Kenny intends to speak to as many of his backbenchers as possible about the issue before then.
The four-month deadline for the Government to respond to the recommendation of the constitutional convention in favour of a referendum will run out next week so a decision has to be made at next Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting.
It is expected that the Cabinet will endorse the recommendation of the convention but it will be a surprise if there is agreement to hold it next year as advocated by Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore.
“Fine Gael is essentially a conservative party . . . I sense a deep reluctance to tackle the issue of same-sex marriage at this stage,” said one TD.
Another member of the parlimentary party said: “We annoyed some of our conservative supporters by the ruthless way the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill was forced through. Going back with a referendum on same-sex marriage could push them out of the party altogether.”
