Senator Jim Walsh has been busy this week putting forward a motion to his parliamentary party concerning the proposed Civil Partnership legislation going too far. He has been busy saying he wasn’t being homophobic and saying his party colleagues who supported the motion (25 of them) weren’t homophobic. It’s clear from the silence that not all members of his parliamentary party agree with his proclamations. Especially in Wexford.

I seem to remember before the last general election a bit of toing and froing (understatement) over the FF nominations in the Wexford constituency.

Now it seems the temperature is hotting up again on the matter of seeking the nomination in the next election. Well what else would explain the comments of Senator Lisa McDonald in this weeks New Ross Standard (Provincial papers how do I love thee!!)

A SIGNIFICANT difference of opnion has developed between Co. Wexford’s Fianna Fail Senators Jim Walsh and Lisa McDonald with Ms. McDonald criticising her colleague over his stance on gay and lesbian civil partnership rights.Senator Jim Walsh last week put forward a motion demanding that nothing should be done in the upcoming Civil Partnership Bill that would in any way lessen the special status’ enjoyed by heterosexual marriage under the Constitution.

But fellow Fianna Fail Senator Lisa McDonald said she was under 35 and there’s not many of that demographic up in the Dáil and Seanad’.

(Senator Walsh’s motion) wouldn’t be as easily understood as it would be for someone of Jim’s generation,’ she said.

There’s an awful lot of homophobic attitudes and fears in our society, among older people particularly,’ said Senator McDonald.

I know I’ve been out of the loop for a few weeks but I do hope I’m not the only one to note that Senator Walsh has links to the Iona Institute – the NGO led by David Quinn ‘dedicated to the strengthening of civil society through making the case for marriage and religious practice.’ Walsh chaired a seminar organised by the institute on the rights of Donor conceived persons on June 3rd.

(By the by one of the persons unsuccessful in seeking a FF nomination before the last election was Malcolm Byrne, Gorey Town Councillor and gay man.)

Now I’m wondering who the other 25 people who signed Senator Walsh’s motion are? We could speculate away or someone could ask them all? Or just email me the list and I’ll do the rest!